Make no mistake: the Washington Commanders is a team built to focus on the run. Going into Week Six, the Commanders rank first in the NFL in rushing yards, averaging 156.4 yards per game. Rookie running back Bill Croskey-Merritt is the main reason for Washington’s resurgence in the running game. Despite losing a fumble against the Los Angeles Chargers, Croskey-Merritt rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the Commanders’ 27-10 road victory against the Chargers. Croskey-Merritt has rushed for 283 yards and has scored four touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per carry so far in 2025. He has established himself as Washington’s primary back, solidifying himself and quarterback Jayden Daniels as a solid one-two punch running the ball.
The Commanders’ passing game isn’t as settled. Wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown are still not playing because of injuries. Even when McLaurin was healthy earlier in the season, his statistics were decidedly underwhelming as he and Daniels have not been able to recapture the on field chemistry they shared in 2024. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has become the Commanders’ primary target on the outside in McLaurin’s absence. But he can’t do it alone. Washington will need others to step in and fill the void at wide receiver.
And that’s exactly what’s happening, with contributions from wide receivers Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane. McCaffrey, a second year player, already has two touchdown receptions. Daniels also connected with McCaffrey on a 50 yard reception late in the first half against Los Angeles. McCaffrey’s reception led to a game tying field goal by placekicker Matt Gay to end the first half. Daniels also connected with Lane on a third down pass for a first down when Washington was trailing Los Angeles 10-0. Lane’s reception kept the drive alive and led to the Commanders’ first touchdown of the game.
McCaffrey and Lane’s contributions to the passing game have been limited this season. McCaffrey has seven receptions on the season, while Lane has six. But their respective contributions have reaffirmed the confidence Washington head coach Dan Quinn and his staff have in them. McCaffrey and Lane have really proved their worth on special teams as kick returners. McCaffrey averages 31.4 yards per kickoff return, ranking second in the NFL. Lane averages 14.8 yards per punt return, which includes a 90 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Commanders place a premium on offensive skill position versatility. That’s what makes McCaffrey and Lane invaluable.
It’s possible that McLaurin could return for Washington’s Monday Night Football contest with the Chicago Bears. His return would be extremely helpful to keep the Commanders’ offense running in high gear. If he can’t return, the Commanders are confident that McCaffrey and Lane will remain viable options in the passing game. If McLaurin and Brown can return sooner than later, there’s no limit to how prolific Washington’s offense can be.