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Terry McLaurin got his turn at the Zoom mic today, and talked about the offseason, the new offense, and improving on his breakout rookie year. He has been learning the new offense virtually, but says he is the type of player that likes to run routes/plays repetitively. McLaurin likes the new offense for it’s versatility and aggression.
The Washington Football Team has a lot of young, unproven receivers behind McLaurin on the depth chart, but he says that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to produce. Kelvin Harmon’s ACL injury was a loss, but he is very high on rookie Antonio Gandy-Golden.
Terry McLaurin focused on working on his footwork and route running this offseason, and started right after the Super Bowl. He wanted better foot and ankle flexibility to get in and out of his routes cleaner. He also worked out with Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason and shared knowledge with him.
Ron Rivera brings a different mindset to the Washington Football Team, and McLaurin said that as long as you buy into the message you will be fine. Rivera’s focus is on attitude, preparation, and effort, and he also preaches discipline, respect, and playing hard. The team will be attacking on both sides of the ball.
McLaurin notices the same change in Dwayne Haskins Jr. that many people have noted this year. Washington’s franchise QB has taken command of the team, and is becoming the leader the team needs this season. Haskins organized workouts with his receivers, worked to transform his body, and has completely bought into the new offense.
Training Camp Press Conference - Terry McLaurin https://t.co/V8aMyaBTBq
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 13, 2020
Virtual offseason:
McLaurin said he feels really prepared for the season. The Zoom meetings helped a lot.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
Added that it's tough with the new coaching staff, but as professionals you have to adapt.
Terry's here! he said he feels like he's ready for the season. the coaches have done a good job of helping the players adjust to the pandemic and he really likes the offense. He's looking forward to growing this year.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
Terry McLaurin on the mic. Says that, sure, a new coaching staff in this crazy year offers challenges, but feels he's prepared for the season. Being a professional means being ready regardless, basically.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 13, 2020
This has certainly been a unique offseason. McLaurin had a plan for his offseason workouts, but then the pandemic happened. The biggest thing he took from this summer is making sure he focuses on the mental aspect of learning the offense.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
New offense:
Terry McLaurin is speaking with the media now: "The offense has been really smooth so far." He says he likes the aggression in the scheme.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2020
McLaurin feels that Washington's new offense is clear and concise. He said that helps out everyone from the quarterback to the receivers.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
WR depth:
McLaurin on wide receiver: We've got a lot of unproven guys, but that doesn't mean the production should be lower or anything like that.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2020
McLaurin admits that there are a lot of unproven receivers, but that does not mean they won't be able to produce. Losing Kelvin was tough, but McLaurin said there are a lot of players "ready to make a name for themselves."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
McLaurin feels like the receiver group will grow the trust in each other during training camp. He said losing Kelvin Harmon was tough, but he feels there are plenty of guys ready to prove themselves.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
Footwork:
McLaurin said he's really focused on foot and ankle flexibility so that he can be cleaner in and out of his routes.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
McLaurin on his offseason prep. Reminds us that he began work before the national shutdown. Focused on footwork. Work with Hostler has already helped with route-running.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 13, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
McLaurin said Dwayne did a good job of helping the receivers coordinate workouts. The connection between Dwayne and the other receivers was apparent to McLaurin.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
McLaurin on offseason work with the fellas. Said Haskins' leasership stood out. Helped hone the QB-WR connection with Haskins and the other targets.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 13, 2020
McLaurin praised Haskins for coordinating the throwing sessions with him and Washington's other receivers.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
"That really helped us get off on the right foot."
Terry McLaurin: "I've been around Dwayne for a long time, and not that he wasn't working hard previously, but it's just a different type of intensity and focus he's had."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 13, 2020
McLaurin says Haskins has a "different type of detail" this season. "I think he's taking the right necessary steps to be honest"
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 13, 2020
McLaurin said he's seeing a different type of attentiveness and focus in Dwayne that he hasn't seen before. He still needs to go out and prove himself, but the offense suits him well and he's approaching the season the right way.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
Terry McLaurin said he saw a change in Haskins late last season and it carried into the offseason. Likes what he’s seen; says Haskins “knows he has to put that product on the field.”
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 13, 2020
Antonio Gandy-Golden:
McLaurin on AGG: "He's very athletically gifted. He pretty much jumps out the gym. ... He plays faster than what he may look on a time watch."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2020
McLaurin said AGG is very athletically gifted and can "jump out of the gym." He also plays faster than what his recorded speed would suggest. He advised AGG to be ready to compete because he doesn't have to sit on the sideline as a rookie.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
McLaurin on Gandy-Golden. Is the latest person to say the rook plays faster than you'd think. Quiet kid "but he tries to do everything right."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 13, 2020
McLaurin says rookie Antonio Gandy-Golden is athletically gifted -- "he jumps out of the gym" -- and that he plays faster than his straightaway speed. Some advice McLaurin has given AGG is to be ready to compete for a starting job right away.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
Training camp:
McLaurin said it was fun to be on the field in helmets. Things have been smooth, he said, and the staff has done a great job of making sure the players are comfortable and safe.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
Ron Rivera:
Terry McLaurin on Ron Rivera's message to the team today: pic.twitter.com/AInUGwUEbK
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 13, 2020
McLaurin said Ron Rivera "hit us with a pretty big message this morning" to attack on both sides of the ball and control attitude and effort every day
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 13, 2020
Ron Rivera addressed the group before their first practice with a message, McLaurin said. He told them to "attack the day."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2020
McLaurin on Rivera’s message to the team. Said the focus centered on attitude, effort and preparation. Cliches perhaps but meshes with Rivera’s culture push.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 13, 2020
Terry McLaurin said Ron Rivera sent a strong message to players today, telling them that their attitude, preparation and effort are the three things they can control, and that they'll be physical/attacking on both sides. Said it starts in the trenches.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 13, 2020
McLaurin said Ron Rivera's honesty and transparency has stood out to him. Rivera's main objectives are discipline, respect and playing hard. If you follow those three aspects, you have nothing to worry about from Rivera.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
Also said Rivera admits if something was his fault. Says that’s “the sign of a man.”
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 13, 2020
College football getting cancelled:
Terry McLaurin on the Big Ten canceling its fall season: "I definitely do feel disappointed for those guys, especially the seniors."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2020
Terry McLaurin is disappointed about the B1G decision to cancel football, but he says in the Washington locker room it's full steam ahead getting ready for the Eagles Week 1.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 13, 2020
Talent on both sides of the ball:
McLaurin said Washington has a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. There are a lot of players on offense that are moving around a lot on the field. He's confident the coaches will put them in the best position to make plays.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
No fans in the stadium:
Terry McLaurin on no fans at FedEx: "It's tough ... but at the end of the day, it's what's in the best interest for all of us. ... It's a bummer that it has to be that way ... but I hope our fans feel like they can still be engaged in our season, because we do need them."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 13, 2020
McLaurin said it's a "bummer" that there will be no fans this year, but he appreciates all the love he and the other players have gotten on social media and fan mail. Hopefully, he said, the fans will be back in FedExField soon.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 13, 2020
Kyle Allen:
McLaurin: "It's kind of nice to have Kyle (Allen) as well as Dwayne. ... He's comfortable in this offense, which helps a receiver like me."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2020
McLaurin on Kyle Allen. Said Allen has received some 1st team reps. "It's kind of nice to have Kyle as well as Dwayne. ... He's comfortable in this offense, which helps a receiver like me."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 13, 2020
Alex Smith:
McLaurin on Alex Smith: "Alex is a cool dude, man. He doesn't say much, but you can always feel his presence when he's on the field. He's working his butt off to get back and play at that high level again. It's a testament to his hard work and his faith ..."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 13, 2020
Odell Beckham Jr.:
.@TheTerry_25 on working with @obj in the offseason: pic.twitter.com/uTmOhySR97
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 13, 2020
McLaurin says Odell Beckham approached him when they worked out together this offseason. He said Beckham even asked him for tips.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2020
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Attack mindset:
Terry McLaurin: "When you're on offense, you should be dictating the tempo." McLaurin says play action on 1st down, running in pass situations are key to an attack mindset.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 13, 2020
Somewhere @SharpFootball smiles.
Productivity:
McLaurin's productivity advice during these times: find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Also be aware of things that are in your control and outside of your control.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
Staying healthy:
McLaurin's No. 1 goal is to stay healthy and play all 16 games. He knows the team largely depends on him, so the biggest thing for him is being available as much as possible.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
Fishing:
And there's the fishing question. McLaurin said he's been into fishing for a long time. His first fishing trip was with his uncle when he was about 8 or 9.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 13, 2020
Relates fishing to football in that both require you to move past failures to make the most of your successes.