A classic No. 1 receiver, Terry McLaurin isn’t accustomed to invisible performances for the Washington Commanders. This is a man who makes circus catches look routine and who has been one of Sam Howell’s top safety valves in 2023 — despite the quarterback’s up-and-down play.
That’s what might make McLaurin’s no-show against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday so jarring. The 28-year-old saw just three targets against the Dolphins’ playmaking defense. He caught none of them and was otherwise a complete non-factor in a 45-15 blowout loss. When it came time to sum up his performance in the post-game locker room, McLaurin equated his zero-catch game to running “cardio.”
Woof. That’s the last thing you want to hear from a receiver, especially when they say it about themselves:
Terry McLaurin didn't have a single catch today vs. the Dolphins.
He was asked about that after the game.
Terry said, "I ran a lot of cardio…I'm going to continue to run my routes hard. At the end of the day, I'm not going to quit, but yeah it's frustrating." pic.twitter.com/IEW07NkyHw
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) December 3, 2023
Terry McLaurin after no catches – “I ran a lot of cardio today.”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 3, 2023
For what it’s worth, Howell did feel guilty he couldn’t get the ball to McLaurin:
Sam Howell on Terry McLaurin not getting any catches: “I got to get him the football…3 targets is not enough for your best player…It’s never the plan”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 3, 2023
Well, here’s the silver lining for McLaurin: taking care of your heart with cardiovascular exercise is a good thing! I’m sure he would’ve liked to throw in a touchdown and 100 yards or so into the mix, but that’s not a bad consolation prize. Right? Right???
This was how Twitter reacted to McLaurin's cardio self-roast
It’s like watching Santana Moss all over again. I really feel bad for him https://t.co/u2tm4Jw5Iq
— VEEZY (@inVEZtigator_) December 3, 2023
Terry you ain't slick you listen to fantasy podcasts https://t.co/8ZVCsVV8af
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) December 3, 2023
McLaurin a real one for this. https://t.co/TZKIxxqqqD
— Nathan (@nd_joyce) December 3, 2023
Somebody turn this into a graphic https://t.co/08UMyRRvYz
— Brice Paterik (@BricePaterik) December 3, 2023
Never needed a Bleacher Report graphic more than I need one right now https://t.co/tKeay63Ip0
— Nico (@elitetakes_) December 3, 2023
Someone needs to remind EB that getting the ball to your best playmakers is a good idea https://t.co/iUnUfMVCmD
— Tobi Altizer (@Tobi_Altizer) December 3, 2023
Scary Terry deserves so much better. Unfortunately, I would not be surprised if he request trade. He’s just being wasted with us 😔 #HTTC https://t.co/fl3IHSYeHD
— Living Life Is The Only Way (@THEGIGIM) December 3, 2023
They gonna meme our boy 😭 https://t.co/n1q5yvJFGH
— KB 🏈 (@KBDCSports) December 3, 2023
NEED THE QUOTE GRAPHIC ASAP https://t.co/IJAxxRRv66
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) December 3, 2023
