Commanders News: Dan Snyder, Terry McLaurin, Sam Howell and playoff hopes

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin's importance

If the Washington Commanders want to stand any chance of making a postseason push next season, their offense must take significant leaps forward. Eric Bieniemy's presence should assist this cause enormously, but much will also depend on the offensive line and if Sam Howell can provide the consistency needed under center.

There are also doubts about the tight-end unit and whether it can make the necessary progress in a friendlier system. But one thing that cannot be disputed is the talent at Washington's other skill positions heading into the campaign.

Terry McLaurin is the focal point and his emerging leadership within the locker room is something else that could help greatly. This was a sentiment echoed by Eric Edholm from NFL.com, who predicted the wide receiver as the Commanders' non-quarterback MVP in 2023.

"If the Commanders are going to contend this season in a tough division, they'll be doing it with a new quarterback. And whether it's Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett throwing the majority of the passes this season, [Terry] McLaurin is almost certain to be their most trusted target. And that's saying something. The Commanders are very top-heavy at receiver with McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, and all three will get plenty of work. But McLaurin is the best of the bunch for now -- though Dotson could overtake him one of these years -- because of his massive reliability factor and ability to make clutch plays. That quality will be needed at a higher level this season."

- Eric Edholm, NFL.com

McLaurin has always done more with less since entering the league. This leaves him a little under the radar compared to others, but that could change if Howell reaches or even exceeds expectations.