Pressure mounts on Terry McLaurin as Commanders wait for post-contract payoff

Terry McLaurin's long contract standoff with the Washington Commanders saw both sides dig into their respective stances. Everything worked out well in the end, but the wide receiver missed a ton of time over the summer to hone his craft before competitive action commenced.

McLaurin was professional enough to stay in shape. However, it was no surprise to see some rust against the New York Giants in Week 1. The timing was off with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and the Ohio State product was restricted to just two receptions from four targets for 27 receiving yards.

The Commanders didn't need anything more from McLaurin during a comfortable afternoon's work. But if they wanted to get the better of the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, the second-team All-Pro needed to become a focal point.

Commanders need Terry McLaurin back to his sharp, prolific self

This didn't happen. And if McLaurin's lack of influence continues for much longer, the Commanders have a real problem on their hands.

All Commanders fans want to see the McLaurin they remember. He's the game-changer on the biggest stages. When the stakes get higher and the lights get brighter, he almost always comes through. And now, he's finally got a quarterback with enough poise and precision to get the football where it needs to go.

McLaurin managed five catches from nine targets for 48 receiving yards at Lambeau Field, but that doesn't tell the full story. Most of these yards came in garbage time when the result was a foregone conclusion. He struggled to create separation, and the explosiveness just wasn't where it needed to be.

It's mildly alarming. But it was always a possibility after how things unfolded over the summer.

The former Ohio State star spent months either at home or watching his teammates from the sidelines. These reps are invaluable. Daniels and McLaurin are putting in the work now after practice, but they are both playing catch-up until further notice.

Washington's mini-bye week has come at a good time for McLaurin. He gets to focus, put in the hard yards, and add some extra sharpness to his game. That should serve him well, but nothing but rapid improvements will do when Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders rolls around.

The Commanders placed a significant amount of faith in McLaurin by giving him another deal. Adam Peters was reluctant, given how wideouts regress once they get into their 30s. He eventually reached a compromise, but the pressure is now on to repay this faith.

McLaurin has the talent. Once he gets back into the groove, it won't take much longer for improvements to arrive.

Just how long that takes is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now.