Washington Football Team: Five players to watch vs. Giants in Week 6

Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 11: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team is unable to catch a pass as he defended by Troy Hill #22 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at FedExField on October 11, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 11: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team is unable to catch a pass as he defended by Troy Hill #22 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at FedExField on October 11, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – WR Terry McLaurin

Week 5 was the first week that Terry McLaurin didn’t look like a bonafide No. 1 receiver, and his quarterback situation had something to do with that. It was incredibly inspiring to see Alex Smith out on the field again, but if we’re being honest, it was clearly a struggle for him just to operate the offense, still getting used to his healed leg and dealing with constant pressure from Aaron Donald.

There’s a chance McLaurin will have a better supporting effort from his quarterback in Week 6, but he himself won’t draw an easy matchup. James Bradberry has legit been one of the best cornerbacks in the league since signing with the Giants. Through five games, he’s racked up an interception, a forced fumble, and a whopping nine pass deflections.

Bradberry uses his combination of length and athleticism to impose himself on opposing receivers, so McLaurin will have to use his explosiveness and route running ability to get an edge. It won’t be easy, but given Washington’s complete dearth of talent outside of McLaurin, the second-year Ohio State product has to have some degree of success.