Terry McLaurin embracing Commanders' positivity surge with Jayden Daniels

The wide receiver deserves this.
Terry McLaurin
Terry McLaurin / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Terry McLaurin hasn't experienced much team success since being drafted by the Washington Commanders. The wide receiver's got one postseason appearance to his name, but the constant revolving door at the quarterback position is something that's held this franchise back for too long.

Now, that's changed.

McLaurin finally has a quarterback. Rookie phenom Jayden Daniels has completely rejuvenated the Commanders in a short space of time. His connection with the Pro Bowl wide receiver is a big reason behind his eye-popping surge.

Washington is riding an unbelievable wave of positivity after racking up three straight victories on the back of a historic start offensively. Everyone around the league is looking at them differently, which was always the primary objective in Year 1 of this comprehensive rebuild.

It took a while for McLaurin to get going. Once offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury felt comfortable letting Daniels loose, it didn't take long for this blossoming partnership to take off.

Terry McLaurin embracing newfound positivity across the Commanders

The Ohio State product has 11 receptions for 152 receiving yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. McLaurin's always got his numbers without the team enjoying many accomplishments. It seems like the supporting cast can match his ambition based on the opening four contests of the campaign.

This isn't going unnoticed by McLaurin, who acknowledged the feeling around the building is unlike anything he's experienced so far. Something he's keen to embrace while also retaining the focus on the team overall.

"Yeah, man, I’m a big cheerleader out there. I’m happy for myself, sure, but I’m happy for our guys. I’m happy for these guys who put in so much work in the offseason. Have come from all around the league to be a Commander. And for the guys that have been here so long we haven’t quite had this feeling."

Terry McLaurin via USA Today Sports

Nobody deserves a quarterback like Daniels more than McLaurin. The wideout toiled with a string of mid-level draft picks, woeful free-agent signings, and one ill-advised trade with nothing to show for his efforts aside from prolific numbers. The Commanders now have a legitimate long-term option - one that's coming along much quicker than anyone anticipated - which is only going to help this team's cause in 2024 and beyond.

McLaurin made a point of pushing Daniels hard this offseason. The signal-caller wasn't shy in doing the same. This allowed their relationship to flourish with a common goal to get this storied organization off rock bottom and back to respectability.

So far, so good on that front. But McLaurin is experienced enough to know that the hard work is just beginning.

Fortunately, Daniels has an old head on young shoulders. He'll know a couple of good games won't equate to a successful season. The Commanders have momentum, but it won't take long for that to change if standards start slipping.

After finally getting the sweet taste of success, McLaurin will be striving with everything he has to ensure that scenario doesn't become a reality.

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