Pair of Washington Commanders Stars Looking to Climb Record Books in Week 16
The Washington Commanders are traveling north to face the New York Jets in MetLife Stadium in a clash of tragic franchises who had much higher expectations than the results they’ve produced this season.
Having last won inside that stadium on January 9th, 2022 the Commanders are looking to get back in the win column there while also breaking a three-game losing streak to the Jets and their five-game string of defeats that reaches back more than a month.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
With little more than pride to play for, Washington fans far and wide are actually hoping for a loss to see the team’s NFL Draft stock rise over the number in its win column. But as we always say, there’s no tanking in the NFL when it comes to the players on the field.
Two of those players, receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, have more than pride to play for in Week 16, they have legacy to consider as well.
According to the team, with 118 receiving yards against the Jets McLaurin would pass Hugh Taylor for eighth all-time in receiving yards for the franchise.
Additionally, he needs 12 receptions to pass Pierre Garcon for ninth-most.
For Allen, one sack would tie him with linebacker Brian Orakpo at sixth all-time in franchise history, meaning two would give him sole possession of the spot.
Meanwhile, quarterback Sam Howell will look to get back on the track that had him leading the league in passing at one point while also recording the second-best completion percentage in franchise history from a passer in his first 15 games.
From a league-wide lens Howell is already tied for the most games with 35 or more pass attempts and a 66 percent or better completion percentage in his first 15 games. Matching him there are Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Like it or not, the Commanders have some things to play for, even with the playoffs out of reach. And there aren’t too many competitors in the NFL who like the idea of giving their franchise better ammunition to potentially replace them with.
So, no, Washington fans should not expect a tank job from the 11 burgundy and gold clad football players on the field at any given time.
And could, perhaps, come away with some franchise milestones to celebrate along with some of their favorite players this weekend.
