Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had three big plays in the win over the Chargers.

Head coach Dan Quinn was asked by the media on Monday what he has seen in McCaffrey’s growth now in his second NFL season. Which is interesting because, clearly, in training camp and the preseason, much of the fan base that offers opinions on X (Twitter) was confident that McCaffrey was overrated and overdrafted.

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Quinn first pointed to McCaffrey’s background at quarterback and that McCaffrey naturally saw a lot as a result. But he thought this year, when McCaffrey reported that there was a real focus on techniques and route running, being his second season, was paying off early.

“But there’s one thing that separates him,” expressed Quinn. “He has this competitive spirit. In the game two weeks ago (Raiders), I saw him catch a touchdown pass and then go down and cover a kick, being in on a tackle. That speaks to the competitor he is.”

The touchdown for McCaffrey was the first in his NFL career, yet being focused and competitive enough to get after it on kickoff coverage was impressive, and apparently, Quinn noticed.

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Quinn then pointed out three big plays from McCaffrey in the win over the Chargers. “So, yesterday he had a kickoff return out to the 40. Bill had a long run, and I thought he (McCaffrey) had a fantastic block. You know, towards the end (of the run) on the sideline, when he came back out toward the right. We showed that in the team meeting onto the field post today. So, three different plays: one on teams, one on blocking down the field, and one on the (50-yard) pass.”

“A lot of it wasn’t designed, unusual, or tricky. It was honestly just going out, just competing. And he really stands himself apart that way. He’s one of our most consistent guys in that department. And it definitely keeps showing itself.”

With his long 50-yard reception, Sunday, McCaffrey now has seven receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 20.9 yards per reception. He has also returned 12 kickoffs for 377 yards for a 31.4 yards per return average.

Patience appears to be paying off for the Commanders and McCaffrey.

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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Luke McCaffrey continues stacking good games