The Washington Commanders are no stranger to Taylor Heinicke providing strong quarterback play in a pinch - and the Atlanta Falcons (4-4) received their first introduction to it in Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans (3-4).
Heinicke, who didn't play in Atlanta's first seven games, took over the reins of the offense in the second half, trailing 14-3, as starter Desmond Ridder entered concussion protocol.
The Falcons scored two touchdowns and kicked two field goals across Heinicke's six drives, accumulating 253 total yards of offense. Heinicke completed 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and took only one sack.
After the game, Falcons coach Arthur Smith expressed confidence in Heinicke and was pleased with his overall showing.
"Did his job," Smith said. "That's why he's here. We've got a lot of faith in Taylor."
Heinicke spent the past three seasons with the Commanders, starting 24 regular season games and a postseason appearance. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 5,415 yards, 33 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
In 2021 and 2022, Washington brought in quarterbacks to start over Heinicke - first, Ryan FitzPatrick, then Carson Wentz.
During this time period, Heinicke said he did everything he could to help him and learned to always stay ready; after all, that's the role of a backup.
And so, when Ridder went down, Heinicke was comfortable and confident ... and he nearly led Atlanta to a road victory in the process.
"It's the same as the last two years," Heinicke said. "This isn't foreign territory to me. I've lived this the last two years. They brought me here to back up Des, and if he goes down for whatever reason, go in there and do that."
The question now becomes whether Heinicke gets the starting nod next week - Smith said he'll evaluate Ridder's health throughout the week, and it seems the Falcons will continue starting the 24-year-old if healthy.
Heinicke feels similarly, praising Ridder's development while noting he'll enter the week the same as he has each of the first eight.
"Oh, no," Heinicke said, when asked if he thinks he did enough to start next week. "This is Desmond's team. He's played great throughout the year. Obviously, a couple hiccups here and there, but he's progressing every week, he's working hard.
"Ultimately, that's Arthur's decision, but tomorrow, we're going to come in and proceed as usual."
As for the Commanders (3-5), second-year quarterback Sam Howell had a highly productive outing in Sunday's 38-31 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (7-1), going 39 of 52 for 397 yards with four touchdowns and only one interception.
The Falcons, with questions still to answer about Ridder's health and Heinicke's starting potential, will host the Minnesota Vikings (4-4) next Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.
Washington will also kickoff at 1 p.m. EST, traveling to New England for a matchup with the Patriots (2-6) inside Gillette Stadium.
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