Commanders Wide Receiver Group with a Healthy Curtis Samuel

August 12, 2022

by David Earl

Flashback to the 2016 Redskins Offense

The 2016 Redskins offense was undoubtedly explosive: they were ranked 2nd in yards per play (6.4) and net yards per pass attempt (7.6), and 3rd in total yards (6454). This offense was anchored by a trio of wide receivers, of a quality this team has not had since the dats of the Posse. While not as prolific, and the time frame for which they were together was much shorter, that season provided excitement nearly every week, which is rare these days under this owner’s tenure. Of course, that season displayed a taste of Jordan Reed‘s talent over 8 games, but the tight end group isn’t the focus here – in this column, I’ll address how well the present-day potential matches up with this 2016 team. For as great as Garcon was for Kirk Cousins and that offense, DeSean Jackson‘s average of over 19 yards per reception.  That played a huge part in opening up that offense.  That’s what a healthy Curtis Samuel will look to add this season. Garcon’s biggest attributes were his reliable hands and catch radius. Terry McLaurin has both of those qualities plus more speed than Garcon displayed. Let’s dive into this new trio in Washington and what they could potentially give this offense.

The Present Day Trio

Let’s start with the leader of the room, Terry McLaurin, and what he brings to the offense. Over his first 3 seasons and a revolving door of mediocre quarterback play over his first three seasons, Terry has consistently been a reliable target making his quarterbacks look better than they were. As I discussed before, how Terry makes the difference, is his league-leading contested catches rate – nearly 50% of his receptions (77) and 25% of his total targets (130). Throughout his 3 year career, Terry has been very consistent in his yards per game average, but one of his most important stats is his catch percentage. His career average catch percentage is 62.2%, which puts him into some elite company such as Justin Jefferson and Stefon Diggs. Probably the most impressive aspect of Terry’s game is the the fact that he produced these numbers despite constant bracket coverage. He has been the only true viable threat on the outside. Entering the 2022 season with legitimate weapons around him and a viable quarterback with a strong arm, Terry is primed for a big year. No disrespect to Pierre Garcon, Washington’s #1 wide receiver back in 2016, but Terry McLaurin is simply a better overall #1 option at this position.

Who fills that DeSean Jackson role? No one, as his combination of speed and hands was on another level than anyone in this group of wide receivers. With that said, a healthy Curtis Samuel is well suited to play that X-factor role DeSean played especially with what he brings in the run game.  Samuel’s health is a major concern, as he has only completed one healthy season in five years. As of today, he’s practicing fully, albeit with a pitch count due to conditioning (which is concerning), regardless, I am sticking to the optimistic side for today.  For his career, Curtis Samuel averages 6.4 yards per carry rushing displaying his versatility in the offense. Scott Turner‘s scheme is predicated on misdirection plays stemming from an effective running game and Samuel’s adds that dynamic. Essentially think of Curtis Samuel in a Deebo Samuel role for the 49ers and, if healthy, there is no reason why he couldn’t be as effective as Deebo. Although Curtis doesn’t possess that top-end speed DeSean Jackson had, who does? Samuel’s 4.3-second forty time will be something defenses will need to plan for in both the run and passing game.

Rookie Jahan Dotson has been more than advertised all throughout camp, not only displaying his hands and big catch radius, but playing with the instincts of a veteran wide receiver. Like Terry McLaurin, Dotson brings reliable hands and a large catch radius, and has shown a knack for the acrobatic catches. Another common theme he shares with McLaurin was the mediocre quarterback play and limited skill position players around him at Penn State.  Despite that, he still amassed highly productive numbers last season and sported one of college football’s best catch percentages. There are some tempered expectations, as he is a rookie and defensive coordinators will exploit any of his weaknesses; however, there’s also something to be said about the position in which Jahan finds himself. Protected by McLaurin and Samuel plus what should be, at the least, an effective running game, Jahan’s talent should have every chance to shine. When you look back at Jamison Crowder in 2016, who frankly is not the receiver Dotson is, producing 847 yards receiving with 67 receptions and 7 touchdowns. How can you not be excited for Jahan Dotson and the situation he’s in?

So How About This Trio?

As we’ve covered Carson Wentz in nausea on this site, so I won’t expand on his here, but I think it is fair to say he will play a vital role in the ability of Scott Turner‘s offense to perform at its highest level. It is also rational to think Wentz’s performance this season can very well mirror that of Kirk Cousins from that 2016 season in many ways.  What Wentz lacks in accuracy he makes up for in arm talent going downfield. Having said that and breaking down this starting wide receiving group, there are no excuses heading into the 2022 season. Yes, Wentz certainly has his flaws but his weaknesses, mainly some rather poor decisions in ball placement, could be overcome by the ability of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to adjust to the ball making those acrobatic or contested catches they continuously seem to thrive on making. Is it reasonable to expect 2016-level production? Absolutely 100% yes! The next question is whether this group is the next Posse from decades past. That lofty dream will be for a column well down the road, so let’s just stick to the 2016 expectations for now.