TINSMAN: ‘Scary Terry’ is Redskins’ lone silver lining

Give credit to the front office: the Washington Redskins struck gold in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Time will tell what first-rounders Dwayne Haskins and Montez Sweat are worth, but “Scary” Terry McLaurin is enjoying the best career start of any wide receiver in NFL history.

Seriously.

On Monday night, McLaurin hauled in a touchdown pass, becoming the first player in NFL history with five receptions and a score in each of his first three games.

This is a guy that was passed over by every NFL team twice, who possesses the two things that every team needs: the ability to get open and catch a contested pass. He proved the first part in the first two weeks, blazing past opposing defenders for long scores.

On Monday, he showed the latter, hauling in a sharp touchdown pass in traffic. There were other times when he slipped behind his defender but got overlooked as quarterback Case Keenum ran for his life.

McLaurin’s 4.35 speed and crisp route-running skills allow him to get open faster for his quarterback, which helps mask the team’s blocking deficiencies. His reliability as a receiver provides a security blanket for the post-Jordan Reed Redskins.

His chemistry with Keenum is obvious, as he targeted him eight times, including three times on one second-half drive. McLaurin’s presence is also opening up the passing game for other receivers like Paul Richardson, who had a career-high eight receptions for 83 yards on Monday night. 

In short, he’s exactly what the Redskins need at receiver, and haven’t had since Santana Moss in his prime. The difference is that Moss didn’t catch touchdowns in three-straight games until 2008, his eighth season in the NFL.

For what it’s worth, McLaurin is a winner, which is handy experience on the 2019 Redskins. He had never lost two games in a row until he suited up in D.C., and now his squad is in a 0-3 hole. 

Rather than embrace losing or point fingers, he has embraced the opportunity to improve his own game each week. What more could you ask for as a fan?

So far, Scary Terry is averaging more than 85 yards and a touchdown per game. Just imagine what he might accomplish once he gets his college teammate, Haskins, back under center.

Brian Tinsman has covered D.C. sports since 2011, both from the team marketing and skeptical fan perspectives. Tweet your criticisms @Brian_Tinsman.