Taylor Heinicke Has Another Chance To Prove Himself, Starting Sunday
Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke finds himself thrust into the spotlight once again as a result of Carson Wentz’s fractured finger.
Taylor Heinicke has been here before; when Ryan Fitzpatrick sustained a hip injury in Week 1 of the 2021 season.
Taylor Heincike went on to start 15 of Washington’s 17 remaining games. He had a 65% completion percentage for 3,419 yards and a 20-15 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Washington’s record with Heinicke under center was 7 – 8. With a season of experience to guide him, he’ll feel like he’s capable of doing better this time around.
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“I feel a lot more comfortable, a lot more confident,” Heinicke said Wednesday, via ESPN. “I was a little overwhelmed last year; it was my first time starting 15 games and it gets to you a little bit.”
Commanders fans will hope Heinicke doesn’t read too much into what his teammates say in the press. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin somewhat damned him with faint praise when asked about him.
“His ability to extend plays is really big for us,” McLaurin said. “The heart he plays with, a lot of guys galvanize behind that. You never know what you’ll get with Taylor and that’s the fun part of it.
“He’s a guy who you have confidence in his ability to make plays. It may not be the prettiest or what you’re used to every Sunday. … He’s playing like it’s backyard football, but playing within himself.”
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Having said that, Carson Wentz wasn’t playing elite football before he got injured. It’s not as if Heinicke has to replace the most popular guy in town. Plus, he does have an exhilarating performance against Tampa Bay in the 2020 playoffs on his CV.
Perhaps playing like it’s backyard football helps him on the big stage. Time will tell if his plucky style of play gets repeatable results.
