Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels backs Terry McLaurin after a quiet opener

The Washington Commanders kicked off their 2025 campaign with a 21–6 win over the New York Giants, a strong start in the NFC East race. Quarterback Jayden Daniels looked sharp in his second year, and new arrival Deebo Samuel impressed on debut. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a quiet outing, whose numbers fell short of expectations in the season opener, Sports Illustrated reported.

Washington QB Jayden Daniels spoke up in defense of star receiver Terry McLaurin after his quiet Week 1 performance.(Getty Images via AFP)

Terry recently signed a lucrative new contract with the Commanders and is still working his way back from an ankle injury. In the NFL season opener against the Giants, the star WR managed just two receptions for 27 yards on four targets.