The Washington Commanders' dismal stretch continued Sunday, suffering a 45-15 blowout defeat to the Miami Dolphins inside FedEx Field.
The Dolphins (9-3) had their way from the start, holding a commanding 31-7 halftime lead and building from thereon. It marked the Commanders' (4-9) fourth consecutive loss and second straight game losing by at least 30 points.
Washington's defense has allowed 90 points in each of the past two games. The offense has scored just 25 points in that same timespan.
And star receiver Terry McLaurin, who failed to record a reception and saw only three targets, is frustrated.
"I ran a lot of cardio," McLaurin said postgame. "It happens, it comes with it when it's tough. It's frustrating but I'm going to keep coming in and practicing and playing hard."
The Commanders had their second-best rushing performance this season, taking 28 attempts for 139 yards. Both of their touchdowns came on the ground via quarterback Sam Howell.
That same success didn't translate to the passing attack, as Howell set a season low in completions with 12, tied a season low in attempts at 23 and posted his third-fewest yards with 127.
As such, McLaurin and the rest of Washington's weapons didn't receive as much action as other weeks. Curtis Samuel and Antonio Gibson caught four passes apiece, but no other player had more than two.
Still, McLaurin has his sights set on more than just the stat sheet, instead wanting to see certain characteristics splattered across his film.
"Making extra blocks on the field, trying to clear it out for guys, continue to run my routes hard - that's what I'm going to do," McLaurin said. "I'm not going to quit just because I'm frustrated."
McLaurin leads Washington in targets (97), receptions (60) and receiving yards (694), but he's averaging just 53.4 yards per game. His current career-low is 61.9 yards per game, coming in 2021. He still hasn't eclipsed 100 receiving yards in a game this season.
Frustration is mounting, as are the losses. The Commanders will enter the bye week holding last place in the NFC East, playoff hopes dwindling faster than locker room morale.
But for veterans like McLaurin, ending the year on a high note remains a point of emphasis- with hopes that the chance to get away from football for a week can lift spirits down the stretch.
"Be around family, do some things that you don't usually get the chance to do during the season, rest your body and come back hopefully refreshed to finish the season strong and with some pride," McLaurin said.
When the Commanders return, it's possible McLaurin's production will follow - but at his current pace, he'll finish the year with a career-low 907 receiving yards.
And in this moment, that's just one of many reasons of frustration for one of Washington's franchise staples.
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