Why Taylor Heinicke should remain Commanders' starting QB
With the acquisition of veteran Carson Wentz in the offseason, the Commanders hoped to finally have stability at quarterback.
But as this season has progressed, it's journeyman Taylor Heinicke who has once again emerged as the unlikely hero.
As longtime followers of the Commanders know, it's not necessarily stats that endear Heinicke to Washington fans. He put up solid but unspectacular numbers for Washington in 2021, with 20 touchdown passes and 3,419 passing yards.
It's the energy, swagger and football savviness Heinicke displays that make the biggest difference.
This was apparent more than ever on Monday night in Philadelphia.
Facing the undefeated Eagles, things didn't start great as the Commanders fumbled on their first possession and found themselves in an early 7-0 hole.
But Heinicke remained poised and persistent, and the team battled back to win. Heinicke was a major reason.
He converted on several clutch third-down plays, but his best play may have been an incomplete pass. When a center snap was launched over his head, he recovered the ball and threw a pass out of bounds to avoid a massive loss.
At the end of the night, the Commanders found themselves sitting at 5-5 after starting the season 1-4. Washington is 3-1 since a hand injury sidelined Wentz and Heinicke took over.
Washington was not playing well with Wentz at QB. It is playing well with Heinicke. The Commanders' only loss with Heinicke at the helm came against the Vikings (8-1), who trailed for most of the second half.
Wentz is due to return from his injury soon, but Washington shouldn't rush to insert him back into the lineup.
Regardless of the numbers he puts up, Heinicke brings an underdog mentality and a winning attitude that players and fans feed off.
Until the wheels fall off, he has earned his stay as the Commanders' starting quarterback.
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