MarShawn Lloyd finally found the end zone on Friday night, hitting paydirt for the first time in three long, grueling years. You read that right: since 2023, his final season of college ball at USC, this dude hadn’t officially gotten a touchdown in a live game. The relief, the excitement, it was practically bubbling over after his clutch 11-yard catch for the score. This isn’t just some random play, folks. This is a massive moment for a young player who has battled his way back.
The Play That Broke The Streak
It was an 11-yard snag from quarterback Jordan Love that sealed the deal, a moment Lloyd himself immediately called “special” and “fun.” He wasn’t just celebrating the touchdown, though. He put in work elsewhere too, chipping in with six carries for 17 yards across 16 plays, proving he’s ready to contribute beyond just one highlight. Think about that three-year drought for a second. That’s an eternity in football, especially for a guy picked in the third round back in 2024. Injuries, including a nasty bout of appendicitis, have kept him sidelined for way too long, limiting him to just one measly regular-season appearance over his first two pro seasons. You know he’s been chomping at the bit to get back into the action.
“It had been three years since I even touched the end zone,” Lloyd told reporters, and you can practically hear the weight lifting from his shoulders. “I’ve been in the end zone in practice, but in the game it’s different. It was fun, you know. They had their starters out there, so it was fun to get those good reps, just good reps. I enjoyed it.” Getting those game reps, against opposing starters no less, that’s absolutely invaluable for building confidence and getting into the rhythm of the game. It’s not just about the score, it’s about proving he belongs.
Building Towards Week 1
Coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t holding back the praise either, which tells you everything you need to know about what this means. He highlighted Lloyd’s strong showing in what was his second start this season as the team builds towards Week 1. LaFleur made it crystal clear he loved the effort and the compete level, saying, “I thought he had a really good performance and certainly don’t want to put him in a position where you’re going backwards. I thought he went out there and he competed and made a big play on that choice route, and Jordan threw a great ball, and it was a good night for him.” This wasn’t some simple checkdown either. Lloyd had options on the route, he could have cut inside or outside, and he made the decisive, correct choice. That kind of quick decision-making under pressure, especially after such a significant time away from the real end zone action, is exactly what coaches dream of seeing from a developing player.
This performance feels like a truly crucial turning point for Lloyd, a huge confidence booster as the regular season looms large. With Week 1 rapidly approaching, seeing him finally break through with a touchdown, making big plays, and getting those vital reps against starting defenses, means he’s absolutely building serious momentum. Keep a very close eye on MarShawn Lloyd; if he keeps this energy and smart play up, it could be a surprisingly fun year for him and a real shot at making a significant impact.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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