‘We’re kind of at that point’ – Kliff Kingsbury didn’t hold back about Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders’ offense
Kliff Kingsbury said the quiet part out loud
If there’s one thing I appreciate about Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury as a coach, it’s that he’s honest about how he feels and says the quiet part out loud.
The offense hasn’t had a single practice together at training camp as a full unit, with injuries and All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin holding out with his contract dispute.
Kingsbury sends a message
Kingsbury spoke to the media on Friday morning, and he didn’t hold back one bit when he was asked about McLaurin and the offense.
“I’m huge on walk-throughs, on practice things like that,” Kingsbury told the media. “Because until you get on the grass and actually do it, and feel the timing, feel the depths of routes and things of that nature, I don’t know exactly how much you can get out of that. So I think we’re kind of at that point where we need to start getting those guys when they’re available out there and gelling and seeing what we are as an offense.”
This is a coach saying that he won’t know what the offense even looks like until he sees McLaurin out on the field with the rest of the team. Kliff kept it brutally honest, and this is the first time we’ve heard a coach of any kind express a frustration or an urgency for McLaurin to get back to practicing. He also mentions how there hasn’t been a ton of communication, and time is running out.
“I mean, there hasn’t been a ton of contact with him,” Kingsbury added. “You know, he’s been here, but he’s been working with the trainers, so until he gets back on the grass, that’s when we’ll start building that back up. Yeah, I think, you know, that’s one of those deals. This is time on task.”
He’s right, time is ticking, and this deal needs to get done. McLaurin has been back at training camp, but hasn’t practiced with the team due to an ankle injury. But his lack of availability is hurting the offense.
Kingbury also kept it real with what he’s seen from the rest of the wide receiver room, and it adds to the importance of getting McLaurin back and seeing the offense as a whole.
“It’s still a work in progress, and some guys are taking advantage of the opportunities, and some have not. . .There are a lot of guys who are trying to earn a roster spot. And so that competition has been good, but I think there’s still a lot to show over the next three weeks.
Week 1 is just under a month away, and the offense can’t afford to have hiccups to start the season. Both sides need to get a contract done, but in the meantime, McLaurin is still under contract and needs to practice with the team as soon as possible.
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