With Ryan Fitzpatrick ruled out after injuring his hip, the Washington Football turned to Taylor Heinicke to close out the first half.
Shortly after the third quarter began, they were in the end zone for the first time all season, and with their first lead of the game.
After leading Washington to a field goal on the final drive of the first half, the backup QB came out red-hot to start the third quarter. Heinicke was a perfect five-for-five on the drive for Washington, and a huge chunk of the yardage came on a catch from wide receiver Terry McLaurin that may end up being the catch of the year:
ACROBATIC from Terry McLaurin! #WashingtonFootball
📺: #LACvsWAS on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/dOLGjOLlhi— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
Fighting through contact, McLaurin somehow twists his body back to the football and finishes the play in-bounds, with his hip landing in the field of play before sliding out-of-bounds.
On the very next play, Washington turned to play-action, with Heinicke finding tight end Logan Thomas who skies above the defender for six:
Heinicke to Logan Thomas gives #WashingtonFootball the lead!
📺: #LACvsWAS on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/ZOOgbclGxt— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
Suddenly, the home team was in front.
Heinicke impressed last season in a losing effort to Tampa Bay in the playoffs. But his presence on the field today provided a spark for Washington, and gave the home team the lead for the first time all season. Beyond that, it might be tough for someone to top that catch from McLaurin. A tremendous effort.
