It was an outstanding overall display from the Washington Commanders in Week 3. They controlled the tempo throughout, navigating some rough injury problems to get back to winning ways at the first time of asking.
The Las Vegas Raiders looked overwhelmed and outmatched in all phases. This was the perfect way to bounce back, which could provide the springboard needed for better fortunes as the campaign progresses.
And for one player fighting to secure an extended role, a statement was made that the Commanders cannot ignore.
Luke McCaffrey enhanced Commanders' claims with late Week 3 impact
With wide receiver Noah Brown missing the contest and Terry McLaurin going out late with a quad issue, this gave offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury the chance to get Luke McCaffrey more involved. The 2024 third-round pick was further down the depth chart than ever after the summer's preparations. He's showing the proper determination to break into the team's plans.
Most of McCaffrey's good work came in garbage time, but it was notable nonetheless. He brought in all three of his targets for 56 receiving yards. The former Rice prospect took his final catch all the way into the end zone to put the exclamation point on proceedings. He also gained 25 yards on his only kick return.
Luuuuuuuuke!
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 21, 2025
📺 #LVvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/sluPjUIpTh
If there was ever a time for McCaffrey to generate some positive momentum, this was it. The second-year pro needs to build trust. He needs to prove that when his number is called, he can deliver the goods. And considering he's yet to drop a pass this season, albeit from four targets, he's doing enough to keep his foot in the door.
McCaffrey is a hard worker. One only has to look at how Deebo Samuel Sr. chased him down the sideline to celebrate his touchdown to see the esteem in which he is held in the locker room. He remains a work in progress, but this was the most telling sign yet that the wideout might be ready for an increased workload sooner rather than later.
McLaurin and Samuel are the go-to guys. Brown will have a role to play when he gets back, although the Commanders cannot depend on him to stay healthy right now. Jaylin Lane has promise, but McCaffrey is more than capable of carving out a more substantial role depending on the matchups.
It'll be interesting to see if McCaffrey's increasing dependability gets him more chances to shine. But if this becomes the norm, it brings another wrinkle to Kingsbury's offense that most teams around the league won't see coming.