Ranking the top 3 plays of Terry McLaurin’s Commanders career
By Jerry Trotta
2. Hustle tackle vs the Cowboys (2020)
McLaurin represents everything a franchise could want in a player. He gives maximum effort on every snap, is a fantastic teammate and willing leader and always gives thoughtful and insightful answers to the media in press conferences.
While McLaurin has a knack for creating highlight-reel catches, this particular play indicates he could star on defense or special teams.
Was that a big enough of a hint for you? On Thanksgiving in 2020, when Washington spanked the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, linebacker Jaylon Smith intercepted Alex Smith for what should’ve been a walk-in-the-park touchdown.
The play was made around midfield, and Smith, faster than most linebackers, was making a beeline for the end zone … before McLaurin, who had roughly 10 yards to make up, came flying out of nowhere to prevent the touchdown.
https://twitter.com/YahooSports/status/1332112782121197570
That play encapsulates why Commanders fans have been demanding the organization to get McLaurin’s contract sorted out. Most offensive players wouldn’t show anywhere near this kind of hustle and McLaurin displayed excellent tackling instincts by wrapping up Smith’s ankles instead of going high to make the play.
DK Metcalf’s 90-yard chase-down of Budda Baker is the most recognized defensive play from a receiver over the last several years, but this McLaurin tackle is right up there even though he covered half the distance of the Seahawks star.