Is it really surprising that Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders are envious of what makes a successful football program?
The San Francisco 49ers gave the Commanders another beating on NFL Sunday Week 17, this time by a score of 27–10. The 49ers are a contender to be named the NFL’s greatest team.
And the Commanders of McLaurin? Washington is 4–12. Week 18 gives it cause for concern over the NFL Draft order, despite the fact that the Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of a “season-ruining” opportunity. Uncertainty surrounds the Commander’s QB predicament. Uncertainty surrounds the Commander’s coach situation.
“Hopefully,” McLaurin said wistfully about the 49ers, “I can be a part of something like that, but I’m just focused on myself, my world and my journey and I’m going to keep working to be the best player I can be.”
McLaurin’s hope is obviously shared by most everyone who plays the game. The stats are great and the salary is great, but …
“You want to be a part of something that sustainable and you’re winning completely at a high level,” he said. “They’ve got a great staff. They’ve got great players. You can tell they love playing together. You see why they have the success that they do.”
A few of those are mutually exclusive. When a team, like the Niners, is the top seed in the NFC playoffs, it makes it simpler to “love the game.”
As much as the Commanders and any other losing team want to avoid it, it’s easier to avoid simply going through the motions when a franchise is in decline.
In 2019, McLaurin was drafted by the Commanders. He’s grown into a player worthy of a star. But will you be able to demonstrate that when it matters most—in the postseason?
Washington has only once advanced to the playoffs since he moved here. Furthermore, the group has never had a winning record at the end.
Feeling envious? Without a doubt. Why not? In their matchup with the 49ers and, yes, the Dallas Cowboys the next week, the entire Washington team might want to embrace “jealousy.”
“You got to give them credit,” McLaurin said of the Niners, “for building that team and for the players going out there and executing.”
And Washington is to be blamed for not having achieved anything like that during McLaurin’s tenure here.