Washington Football Team: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 2
By Jerry Trotta
2. Terry McLaurin vs James Bradberry
Terry McLaurin delivered arguably the highlight of the Week 1 slate when he made an acrobatic catch (to say the least) along the sidelines. Washington will need to feature McLaurin more than they did against the Chargers, as he wasn’t even targeted in the first quarter and finished with just four for the game.
After doing battle against Los Angeles’ secondary, McLaurin figures to be shadowed by James Bradberry on Thursday night.
Terry McLaurin HOLY COW. This is absurd. pic.twitter.com/hBUgPHwu2V
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2021
Bradberry was as good as any cornerback in the league last season, earning a stellar 79.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus and allowing just 44 receptions on 78 targets (56.4%). He also recorded a whopping 18 pass breakups, which finished tied for second among qualified CBs.
In other words, McLaurin will have his work cut out for him…though it’s worth noting Bradberry and the entire Giants defense looked out of sync against the Broncos on Sunday, allowing Teddy Bridgewater to throw for 264 yards and two TDs.
If McLaurin can win his individual battle against Bradberry — and the occasional double team Giants DC Patrick Graham will undoubtedly send his way — Washington will have a field day on offense in front of the FedEx Field faithful.