ASHBURN — Right after last Thursday’s game in Chicago, Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz went up to his backup and revealed he thought he had fractured his finger. That diagnosis proved correct, and Taylor Heinicke understood what it meant.
He was about to get another shot at the helm.
“I told him I was going to pretend he didn’t say that because I had some plans to go play some golf down in Norfolk,” Heinicke quipped.
The Old Dominion product still made the trip down to his alma mater for the long weekend, but Heinicke also spent part of his visit working on his mechanics. The quarterback had to stay sharp knowing he’d suit up for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
By now, Heinicke is used to having to step in at a moment’s notice. And like before, Heinicke finds himself in another chaotic situation. The Commanders, at 2-4, will need Heinicke to play well enough to help keep their season afloat. But more so, he’ll get his first start days after Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said there was “merit” for Commanders owner Dan Snyder to be removed from the NFL — a reminder that off-the-field issues tend to overshadow any on-the-field developments for Washington.
Heinicke, though, doesn’t seem fazed. After all, this is a player whose first start for Washington came in a Jan. 2021 playoff game — where he delivered a thrilling performance in a gutsy 31-23 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an outing that helped him stick in the NFL. The following season, Heinicke again was unexpectedly thrust into action when he took over for an injured Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1 — going on to start a career-high 15 games.
So, why would he be intimidated?
“It’s unfortunate that it kind of had to come in these circumstances, but everyone in that locker room would be lying to you if they said they weren’t excited to go play if it was their shot,” Heinicke said. “I’m just trying to make the most of the opportunity.”
There’s a portion of the fan base that is looking forward to Heinicke, too. The backup was already a fan favorite for his out-of-nowhere rise in the league. But then under Wentz, Washington’s offense actually statistically regressed from what it ranked a year ago. Wentz was still adjusting to a scheme that was brand new to him, but some fans wanted to see if Heinicke could provide a jolt.
Stylistically, Heinicke is a different quarterback from Wentz as well. Heinicke’s ability to scramble and extend plays with his legs could help boost Washington’s offense. The 29-year-old, however, does not have nearly the same sort of arm strength as Wentz, struggling to complete deep passes.
In the locker room, Heinicke appears well-liked. Rookie receiver Jahan Dotson called him the “coolest quarterback in the room, with the most swag.” Tight end Logan Thomas said “you wouldn’t want another guy coming off the bench,” praising the quarterback as a “warrior.” And star wide receiver Terry McLaurin — who may benefit from Heinicke’s return the most — said Heinicke brings “a lot of things to the table” that people can’t quantify.
“You’ve seen it the last two or three years that he’s had to come in big spots where we’re trying to get back on track or trying to get some wins stacked together,” McLaurin said. “His story just adds to that. Few guys have the kind of story he has — especially at the quarterback position.
“For him to be able to sustain it, for him not to be just like a one-hit wonder, he’s been able to sustain success and be here and be able to help our team for these moments. … We know what we can expect from him.”
Heinicke made clear that he also isn’t exactly the same quarterback from last fall. This offseason, the quarterback worked on strengthening his arm — flying to Los Angeles to work with the same trainer that Wentz uses. Heinicke said Wednesday he focused on throwing more with his hips to add power in those sessions, saying that last year, he relied too much on just using his arm.
Despite the lack of arm strength, Heinicke wasn’t shy at taking deep shots last year. He threw 67 attempts, the 11th-most in the league. But he only completed 32.8% of such throws, also the 11th-lowest among quarterbacks who had at least 16 attempts.
Heinicke also emphasized the need to cut down on his turnovers, noting his 15 interceptions in 2021 were “unacceptable.”
Still, Rivera said this week he anticipates the change to be an “easy transition” for the Commanders. Heinicke knows offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s scheme well, playing in the same system throughout his career. He even played it in 2015 when he began his career with the Minnesota Vikings, who had Scott’s dad, Norv, as their offensive coordinator.
“The way he controls it with his teammates, the way he disseminates it and spreads it amongst his guys — I’m telling you, I see a little bit air of confidence,” Rivera said. “I really do and I think it’s spreading to his teammates. … It’s going to be an interesting thing to watch.”