Washington Football Team: Studs and duds in Week 3 loss vs. Browns

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns pursues wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns pursues wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns pursues wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns pursues wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Stud No. 2 – WR Terry McLaurin

Whatever happens on game day each week, we can take solace in the fact that Washington WR Terry McLaurin is in fact a legit NFL star, and remains one of the biggest steals of the 2019 NFL Draft.

McLaurin spliced through the offensive dysfunction on Sunday to rack up 83 yards on four carries, and he was open a lot more than his numbers indicate. Twice in the end zone, Dwayne Haskins missed McLaurin by mere inches, and had the two been more in-sync, McLaurin could have had a much more effective day.

That statement means a lot, because McLaurin already played a crucial role in helping the offense keep it close for three quarters. McLaurin generated easy separation with his route-running quickness, and he’s been particularly impressive after the catch this year, displaying a natural feel for finding space and elongating it with his 4.35 speed.

Through three games, McLaurin has 16 catches for 269 yards and one score, on pace for 84 receptions, 1,165 yards, and four touchdowns. Despite Washington’s penchant for eventual disappointment, McLaurin is still very much one of the best receivers in the league, and he provides a valuable safety blanket for Haskins, as the young signal caller searches for his rhythm.