Terry McLaurin gains 100+ receiving yards
Terry McLaurin is thoroughly deserving of all the newfound adulation coming his way. The wide receiver was always highly regarded around the league. Now that the Washington Commanders are gaining headlines for all the right reasons, everyone is aware of his immense talent.
McLaurin is appreciating the moment. He went through some tough times under previous regimes and stayed professional amid the perennial underachievement. This also means the wideout isn't settling. He wants more and his teammates are following suit.
It's hard to gauge the respect McLaurin is held within the locker room. He's the consummate professional and a supreme leader of men. This makes him an integral force on and off the field this weekend.
The former third-round pick out of Ohio State gained six receptions for 70 receiving yards and one touchdown in two regular-season games against the Philadelphia Eagles. More will be required if Washington wants to make the Super Bowl.
Expect to see McLaurin lined up against promising rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. He came out of last weekend's game against the Los Angeles Rams with an injury but is going to tough it out with everything at stake. Testing him early could be a recipe for success.
If McLaurin can get to the 100-yard receiving yards mark, the better Washington's chances will be.
Marshon Lattimore concedes less than 40 receiving yards
Marshon Lattimore looked much more like his old self last time out versus the Detroit Lions. The cornerback shut down his side of the field comfortably, being targeted just once and breaking up the pass. This was exactly what the Commanders had in mind when they secured his services via trade from the New Orleans Saints.
Lattimore is starting to look healthy, which is the biggest positive above all else. The four-time Pro Bowler came into the Commanders with a hamstring issue that took time to shake off. He played twice in the regular season, but the complication flared up again during a colossal collision with Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
There was a lot of back and forth between the pair. It was a physical battle with no quarter given. Now that Lattimore has two playoff games and three weeks of unrestricted practice under his belt, he'll be confident of leaving his mark.
A few eyebrows were raised when the Commanders swooped for Lattimore. Adam Peters wanted to build through the draft and was supposedly stockpiling assets. With the team ahead of schedule and ready to make some noise in the postseason, he was aggressive much sooner than anticipated.
Lattimore is a big-game performer. He relishes these moments. If he can do his part and hold Brown — or whoever else he'll be up against — under 40 receiving yards, that's one side of the field secure.