LANDOVER, Md. – Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke did not win the game; however, he did win a team – and maybe more.
Heinicke, who started for the injured Alex Smith, played with his arm and legs – just not enough – in Washington’s 31-23 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wildcard round of the playoffs on Saturday. Heinicke failed to win, but he did complete 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran for a score.
And a player who was out of competition for almost two years did prove a point.
“I deserve to play a little longer in this league,” said Heinicke, an awaiting free agent. “I haven’t played on the other side and it’s not fun, not as fun as this.”
In the process, Heinicke also received support from his teammates – and even a star player on another team. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is represented by the same agency as Heinicke, tweeted his approval of his performance.
After the game, Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin spoke to Heinicke when they left the field. McLaurin just wanted to let Heinicke know how much he appreciated him.
“I take number 4 on my team every day of the week, twice on Sundays,” said McLaurin. “I hope we will be teammates in the future.
“That guy plays without fear. He’s going to give his players the chance to make plays. He extends plays, he runs, he takes hits. He does everything you ask of a quarterback in this league.”
“He gave us a chance.”
Heinicke didn’t know he was going to start until coach Ron Rivera told him Friday afternoon. However, Washington hushed the decision until a few hours before the start. Smith suffers from a tense right calf, and since Tampa Bay is known for its defensive pressure, his inability to escape would be too costly.
“We didn’t want to put him in a bad situation,” Rivera said.
The coach later said, “We were really excited about giving [Heinicke] that chance. “
Heinicke ran six times for 46 yards, scoring on an 8-yard run late in the third quarter. In that game, his first three options were covered and the pocket was pinched. He somehow ducked under pressure and slipped through an opening. He took off to the left sidelines and dived into the end zone, the ball hitting the pylon. In the process, he suffered a separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder.
“I wanted to get that touchdown,” he said.
In the ensuing series, Heinicke was hit hard twice and walked to the sidelines with obvious pain. He ran to the dressing room, but returned without missing a series.
“His persistence, his willingness to fight, willingness to compete,” said Kendall Fuller of Washington when asked what he saw in Heinicke. “It certainly motivated the whole team.”
When Washington called in December, Heinicke was taking four math courses at Old Dominion University. It was finals week; he was given permission to take two of the finals after the season.
Washington liked that Heinicke knew offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s system after playing two years in the same system with the Minnesota Vikings and once with the Carolina Panthers. Then Heinicke got his only start prior to Saturday. He left that game with an elbow injury that later required surgery. Sustainability has been a question for the 1.8 meter long Heinicke.
He was released by Carolina during the last preseason cuts in August 2019 and spent the year without football. He eventually signed with the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks, but didn’t play in any of their five games. The end seemed nigh for 2015’s undrafted free agent.
But he impressed his teammates in Washington.
“The way he carries himself is a real pro,” Washington told Morgan Moses. “I can’t tell you why he was on the street before we picked him up. He has all the qualities of a player you want. I’m just glad we have him. No words to explain the performance he had today. stepped onto a grand stage, and I commend him for that. “
Moses had seen Heinicke play in college.
“He’s a great player,” said Moses. He has that ‘it’ factor, and you can’t learn that. ‘
That factor paid off in the series after Heinicke returned from his injury. He led a 75-meter touchdown drive covered by a beautiful 11-meter pass to Steven Sims Jr., who led him to the corner of the end zone.
“It was guts,” Rivera said. “The young man has deserved a chance.”
He will now have to wait to see if and when the next one presents itself.
“Everything that has happened in the last month and a half, to do that, I am proud of myself, glad the coaches believed in me and gave me the chance,” said Heinicke. “I hope I can do it next year.”