Commanders' Dotson eyes Year 2 breakout: 'Got to make them feel me'
Washington Commanders wideout Jahan Dotson has a chip on his shoulder ahead of what he expects to be a promising campaign.
"Honestly, I feel like this is my breakout year," Dotson said on the "2nd Wind Podcast." "It's what I've been working hard for, and I've got to make them feel me."
The second-year receiver explained his motivation to increase his production next season stems from being overlooked by sports analysts.
"I'm never mentioned, and I keep that in the back of my head. That's what I work for. ... They don't say my name, and that's what I want. I take it personal," the Penn State product said.
The 23-year-old feels that he was overlooked in the 2022 draft despite being selected 16th overall by the Commanders. He channeled that by hauling in four touchdowns in the first four outings of his rookie campaign.
Dotson suffered a setback in Washington's Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, sustaining a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the next five contests. Yet the 5-foot-11, 184-pound receiver regained his hot pace by finishing with 21 receptions, 344 yards, and three scores in the team's final five games.
After getting acclimated to the league in his first season, Dotson is confident that the duo of him and Terry McLaurin can be "right at the top" of the NFL. Washington's receiving group also features Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown.
Washington's offense is changing this offseason. Eric Bieniemy was named the team's new offensive coordinator, and the Commanders will again have a new opening-day starter at quarterback. Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett are expected to compete for the gig in training camp.
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