When David Blough was promoted to offensive coordinator, he made his intentions clear. He wanted the Washington Commanders to be more creative schematically. And he wanted wide receiver Terry McLaurin to become a focal point.
Though he wasn't giving much away, Blough hinted at how the Commanders will achieve their objective during his media availability at organized team activities.
Nothing much went right for McLaurin last season. A contract standoff that lasted the entire summer put him on the back foot, and an early quad/hip flexor injury took time to shake off. By the time he got back, it was too late to make a difference. However, he's setting the tone at OTAs and is eager to make up for some lost time.
David Blough wants Terry McLaurin to move around in new Commanders offense
Blough clearly has big plans for McLaurin. He's already pushing the franchise cornerstone at OTAs, getting him out of his comfort zone to add even more to his game. This also includes transitioning him from an outside receiver to a more well-rounded wideout who can be lined up anywhere to exploit mismatches.
"I think we may move him around a little bit more. We'll do the things that he does well to try to put us in advantageous positions. He's done an excellent job so far with handling what we've thrown at him. We're going to ask him to keep pushing the envelope to build on the great career he's already had and try to take another step."
This once again speaks to the creativity Blough seeks to instill.
Kliff Kingsbury's scheme was all too predictable. The 'Kliff Cliff' is renowned around the league, and it got figured out once again last season. Washington now has a rookie play-caller in Blough, and even though he is expected to bring elements of Ben Johnson's system, the element of surprise is on the Commanders' side.
McLaurin is the key to success in the passing game. Much has been made about the lack of dependability behind him in the receiver room, though some young hopefuls are impressing at OTAs. Chig Okonkwo brings dynamism to the tight end group, but everything will run through the second-team All-Pro.
There are murmurings about McLaurin's future beyond 2026, but that is not the primary focus right now. He's the alpha in Washington by a considerable margin. Blough recognizes this, but he also believes there is even more to come from the pass-catcher within his play designs. If that involves moving him around, the veteran is more than willing to do what's required.
It's an exciting time. And after a frustrating 2025 campaign, McLaurin looks primed to remind the world just what a special talent he is.
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