Washington Football Team: Studs and duds from Week 17 win over Eagles

Stud: WR Terry McLaurin

McLaurin was not playing at 100 percent against the Eagles on Sunday night. He hadn’t practiced all week while wearing a walking boot, and he was supposedly going to be acting more as a decoy than anything else.

However, as top-tier players do more often than not, McLaurin found a way to beat the Eagles and generate some offense for Washington.

McLaurin didn’t make any big splash plays in the game. That was impossible to do with the way that Smith was quarterbacking. He did manage to lead the team in receptions (7) and generated 40 receiving yards while catching the team’s first touchdown.

That first touchdown was critical for Washington. It marked the first points they had scored on an opening drive all year. McLaurin won on the play with a solid route and gained separation toward the outside by cutting toward the sideline well. He brought it in and gave Washington the early lead.

Throughout the rest of the game, McLaurin did everything he could to keep the chains moving. He won on quick, short routes and consistently found space against the Eagles using his nifty footwork. It wasn’t an overwhelming game from McLaurin, but all of the subtle, little things he does helped him to keep the chains moving at times for Washington. That’s something that was tough for them throughout the game.

McLaurin’s performance showcases that studs don’t always have to be guys that generate a lot of stats and big downfield plays. He did the little things — crisp route running, good blocking, etc. — to help Washington win. His importance in this game as a safety valve to Smith, and during this season working with three different quarterbacks, cannot be understated.