Terry McLaurin embracing a reality Commanders fans never wanted again

Terry McLaurin is one of the Washington Commanders' most trusted veteran leaders, and he's been through plenty of seasons like this one before. Now, he knows exactly how to handle it.

At 4-10 and with their final three games coming against division rivals, the Commanders have only one thing left to play for: bragging rights. If they can somehow beat the Philadelphia Eagles twice and the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, this season will leave a much less bitter taste in fans' mouths.

McLaurin is well aware, and he's fired up to lead his troops into battle.

Terry McLaurin gives a blunt assessment of the Commanders' current mindset

Technically, the Commanders have the chance to determine who wins the NFC East. It will almost certainly be the Eagles, who only need to win once more or have the Cowboys lose. But with a win on Saturday, Washington might have two chances to eliminate a division rival from playoff contention.

There are scenarios in which the Commanders can end the Cowboys' postseason hopes in Week 17, or the Eagles' in Week 18. For McLaurin, that's blood in the water.

"We have a unique opportunity at the end of this season, we aren't in the playoffs but we have four division games... you want to finish strong, you want to finish this season with a sense of pride. We've got to have that mentality that we're going to leave here with something."

Terry McLaurin via 7News DC

All three games will be an uphill battle for the Commanders, but they've got nothing to lose. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been shut down for the season, but for the past month, Dan Quinn's squad has seemed to play with more fight when it's been Marcus Mariota under center. They'll be especially amped up against their two most hated rivals.

For McLaurin, the 2025 campaign has been especially disappointing.

It all started when he sat out the entire offseason in a contract dispute with team brass, then missed eight contests with a nagging quad injury. He only played three games with Daniels throwing him the ball, one of which the star signal-caller left early.

He's been productive when healthy, especially since his return in the past three weeks. More importantly, McLaurin left it all on the field, setting the example that the Commanders will never quit.

Now he'll have the opportunity to ramp up his performance with an explosive finish to his season, perhaps helping play spoiler in the divisional title race in the process.