The Washington Commanders are Taylor Heinicke’s team now.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera made that clear Sunday afternoon after the 29-year-old quarterback led the team to a 23-10 victory over the Houston Texans. Heinicke passed for 191 yards and avoided mistakes in leading the Commanders to their fourth victory in his five starts.
Carson Wentz, who began the season as the starter, led the team to a 2-4 mark before suffering a hand injury on October 13. Rivera said he’ll serve as the backup when he returns.
“We’re gonna go with Taylor,” Rivera said. “We’ll work with Carson and see where Carson is, as far as whether he’s ready to be the backup.”
“It’s a special moment,” Heinicke said after Rivera made the announcement. “It’s something I’ve been working for my whole life. … I just want to keep this thing rolling.”
Heinicke, who played under Rivera with the Carolina Panthers before joining him in Washington in 2020, has a good grasp of the team’s system. What had Heinicke done to make Rivera decide to announce his decision Sunday?
“Winning,” Rivera told reporters.
Fans seemed split on whether Heinicke is the answer at quarterback.
“Heinicke Magic is real,” tweeted Scott Abraham.
“Lieutenant Dan could have won that game for Washington today,” tweeted another fan.
I love Taylor Heinicke. https://t.co/WsAiWHAQ5y
— Kelley (@KelleyAnneMac) November 20, 2022
Magic is cute, football isn’t cute. He sucked vs a really bad Texans team but gets celebrated. Sign him long term so the rest of the league can keep laughing.
— CB (@Brostuna15) November 20, 2022
Only right. New life in the team with Heinicke at QB.
— Matthew Basnight (@basnight_cole) November 20, 2022
Lieutenant Dan could have won that game for Wash today. This win had zero to do with the backup QB that has been starting.
— Jerome Hatlewick (@JHatlewick) November 20, 2022