Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders shocked the world with how they played against the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. They won 45-31 and eliminated the NFC’s top seed from the playoffs.
The Commanders will play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, and McLaurin had some interesting things to say before the big matchup.
Terry McLaurin Used Iconic Kobe Bryant Quote
McLaurin channeled his inner Kobe Bryant while speaking to the media by using a similar version of the NBA legend’s iconic “Job’s not finished” quote after the Los Angeles Lakers went up 2-0 in the 2009 NBA Finals.
“It’s been a great run so far,” McLaurin said. “Seeing the way that we’ve come together throughout the course of the season, fought through some adversity, the middle part of the season, when we lost a few, and then end the season strong…I feel like we’ve carried [momentum] into the playoffs, and each week we’ve gotten better.”
“DQ [Dan Quinn] talks a lot about leveling up, being better each week, and I feel like we’ve answered that call,” McLaurin added. “It’s going to take our best this week to be able to win in Philly. So, it’s been great to be a part of this, but, you know, we’re not really celebrating because the job’s not done yet. So we’re looking forward to the challenge this weekend.”
Terry McLaurin on the Commanders playoff run:
“It’s been great to be apart of this but we’re not really celebrating or reminiscing because the job’s not finished” pic.twitter.com/Ut0JNvbMrN
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 22, 2025
McLaurin knows the Commanders have exceeded all expectations this season, but the team is confident about getting a victory against the Eagles. Washington split the season series with Philadelphia. However, Jalen Hurts got hurt early in the second game, which the Commanders won 36-33.
The Eagles are coming off a 28-22 win against the Los Angeles Rams in their Divisional Round matchup. Philadelphia, by far, has a better roster than the Commanders, but so far, they have not looked convincing in the postseason. It will be tough for Jayden Daniels to move the ball against the Eagles’ defense, but based on what we have seen from this season, it will not be surprising if he goes on to have another big game.
Commanders Have To Prioritize Stopping Saquon Barkley
If Washington can limit Saquon Barkley’s production and force Hurts into making plays with his arm, the Commanders will have a good chance of pulling off another upset. In two games against the Commanders this season, the star running back has rushed for 296 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
Barkley is the Eagles’ best player, and so far, teams have failed to stop him. He came up big for his team in the win against the Rams and will look to do the same this upcoming Sunday.
Quinn was the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator for three seasons. He knows quite well what it’s like to game plan for Barkley, and the team will hope he can use his experience to limit the Eagles’ star’s production.
The duo of Daniels and McLaurin have been a sensation this postseason, as the wide receiver has 11 catches for 176 yards and two touchdowns in two games. Dyami Brown has also made big plays for the team.
But for the Commanders to have a shot at winning the NFC Championship Game, their defense has to be at its best or on par with the highly touted Eagles defense.