The Washington Commanders' losing streak reached seven games on Sunday Night Football in Week 13, as they fell in a hard-fought overtime heartbreaker to the Denver Broncos.
Despite the result, this was the best Dan Quinn's unit has looked since the skid began. The defense looked improved again, keeping Washington in the fight during the fourth quarter. The offense had some standout moments, including a highlight-reel Catch of the Year candidate from wide receiver Treylon Burks.
However, the biggest difference-maker of all cannot be overthought. It was the long-awaited return of Terry McLaurin.
Terry McLaurin proved how vital he is to the Commanders in just one game
McLaurin, playing for only the second time since Week 3, was supposed to be on a snap count. It was evident during the first half that the Commanders were trying to ease him back in, as he caught only one pass for 11 receiving yards before the break.
But when the game was in the balance, he became the go-to guy. His final line was seven catches for 96 receiving yards and the crucial overtime touchdown. That's not including a much longer score a few plays beforehand that was taken off the board due to a holding call on rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
More impressively, much of McLaurin's production came against reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who was also returning from an absence. The lockdown presence was no match for Washington's two-time Pro Bowler, who carved up Denver's elite defense in a way few other receivers have in 2025.
It was a reminder of just how special McLaurin is, precisely when the Commanders needed it.
Since training camp, McLaurin has been a polarizing figure in Washington. After his dramatic contract standoff dominated the summer news cycle, his production this season was more crucial than arguably any other player. He needed to leave any fractured goodwill over the dispute behind him, and through 11 games, he had done the opposite.
The discourse surrounding McLaurin had gotten nothing short of insufferable. Fans are blaming him for ruining the Commanders' positive vibes after their run to the NFC Championship game last season. Acting like his injury was a direct result of the holdout. Worst of all, calling him a poor leader and teammate.
It's easy to take swipes at players when they're not on the field. Now, McLaurin is back, and he's here to remind Washington that he's worth every penny.