Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke didn’t have his best game in the WFT’s 17-15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday. Heinicke wasn’t necessarily bad, but it wasn’t his best performance.
Heinicke completed 23 of 30 passes for 196 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He likely should’ve been picked off a second time, but Las Vegas safety Tre’von Moehrig dropped an easy interception that may have been a pick-six had he come down with the football.
Heinicke missed several passes high in the win, as he was saved twice by 6-foot-6 tight end Logan Thomas, who pulled down two of the high throws, including one that went for a touchdown.
However, with the game on the line, down one point with just over two minutes remaining, Heinicke shook off his interception and went to work. Heinicke completed four of five passes on Washington’s final drive to set up the WFT in field-goal position for kicker Brian Johnson to nail the game-winning field goal.
There was another point in Washington’s win where it looked like the team may have to settle for a field goal, but Heinicke scrambled seven yards to the Raiders’ nine-yard line on third-and-6 to set up Washington’s final touchdown. It was a winning play.
Afterward, his teammates showered Heinicke with praise, starting with defensive tackle and team captain Jonathan Allen.
Big statement from Jon Allen: "(Taylor) Heinicke, what can you say about him. He keeps showing why he needs to be our quarterback."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 6, 2021
Next, it was linebacker Cole Holcomb.
Cole Holcomb on Taylor Heinicke: "I love that dude. Man, Heinicke he's a LITTLE baller. He's a grinder. Doesn't matter what happens, he goes out there and slings it. If he throws a pick, he shakes it off and let's go."
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 6, 2021
It doesn’t matter what the outsiders think of Heinicke. He has the support of every player in Washington’s locker room. And, every player believes in Heinicke. This matters.
Even on an off day, Heinicke does enough to lead Washington to an impressive road win, on a short week with several critical injuries.
Next up is the Dallas Cowboys.
