Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has thrown the ball to 13 receivers this year, spreading the catches around as he, and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, continue to tweak their approach.
But as Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins come to town this weekend, the Commanders haven’t yet found a breakout star to help elevate the play of the offense as a whole.
Washington’s top receiver, Terry McLaurin, is on pace for 983 yards this season, short of his 1,000-yard standards. That’s in part because of a reduction in targets as Howell has started spreading the ball around.
Curtis Samuel is the team’s No. 2 receiver with 443 yards to date, while Jahan Dotson (435) and tight end Logan Thomas (424) are right behind. For Samuel, it’s been a productive season of showing his versatility.
“They’re all so good, and obviously there’s only one football,” Howell said. “I just think when we can get everybody involved and keep the defense off balance, that’s when we’re at our best.”
While the results of the last two games have been dismal, there are signs of growth for the offense.
Bieniemy has mixed in more runs, and against Dallas, the team moved the ball. Its first four drives went into Cowboys territory, even though those netted just 10 points.
McLaurin said Wednesday he was thrilled for his teammates having success, but said the main goal is still to turn catches into wins. From that standpoint, it’s been a disappointing stretch.
“A few guys could be having statistically good seasons, but if it’s not amounting to the wins that you’re looking for, I don’t really think it’s good enough.” McLaurin said. “When the team is doing well, I think everybody’s stats are going to look good.”
McLaurin presents a unique test for quarterbacks, as his best catches are often contested ones. Instead of getting separation off the line of scrimmage, the pass thrower has to trust him to be in a position to make the catch, which he often is.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera said learning those intricacies is part of why Howell is throwing the ball so much this season, and playing to the end of games, even in blowouts.
“I’d like to believe that we’ve seen what the potential of it could be as we continue to grow in it,” Rivera said. “Sam continues to learn it, and the rest of the guys do too, as well — the balance of spreading it to who needs to have it.
“I think that will come even more so as things continue to develop. I think EB (Bieniemy) has done a great job installing this offense and trying to find the ways that it works best for us.”
Rivera said after the loss in Dallas he chatted with Howell in the locker room and was impressed by the quarterback’s recall of the game and what he needs to do going forward.
Part of that will be continuing to balance spreading the ball around with getting McLaurin and Samuel the touches they need to be successful.
On Wednesday, Howell was asked about the Dolphins cornerbacks, an impressive group that includes Jalen Ramsey.
“We definitely have our hands full out on the perimeter,” Howell said. “But we’ve got some good wideouts, and I’m going to take our wideouts versus anybody every single week.”
Note: Center Tyler Larsen did not practice on Wednesday, coming off the long break. He was listed as having a knee injury.
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