Commanders' unexpected breakout shines when it mattered most

The Washington Commanders were looking for someone to step up at the wide receiver position in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. And not for the first time, an unlikely hero didn't take long to emerge.

Washington was reeling without the services of second-team All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown. The Commanders had to make the best out of a bad situation. They also had to rely on their younger players to grow up quickly, versus a team that had raised its urgency in abundance following its shutout loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Step forward, Luke McCaffrey.

The 2024 third-round pick was in danger of becoming an afterthought within Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts. Washington traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. and spent a fourth-round selection on Jaylin Lane. That pushed McCaffrey down the depth chart, but he did enough to make the 53-man roster.

Luke McCaffrey was sensational early for the Commanders

With injuries decimating the Commanders right now, McCaffrey is getting a bigger opportunity to stake a claim. And he's taking advantage of it in no uncertain terms.

McCaffrey gained some much-needed morale with a touchdown late in Washington's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. His contribution was more immediate in Atlanta, bringing in an absolute laser from quarterback Marcus Mariota to reduce the team's early deficit.