Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke recorded his best performance as a pro during Washington’s post-season loss of 31-23 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night, and he hopes to keep him in rotation in Washington in the future . When it was announced that quarterback Alex Smith would not be fit due to a calf injury, Heinicke stepped forward and almost achieved what would have been a turning point in books in just his second game.
Against the Buccaneers on Saturday night, Heinicke completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also led Washington in the race with 46 yards and a touchdown in six races. The former non-hired free agent from Old Dominion has had spells with a number of different NFL teams, but Ron Rivera – who gave him his first career start with the Carolina Panthers – has always kept him close. After Saturday’s defeat, which also marked the completion of his one-year contract, Heinicke told reporters he is comfortable with Rivera and made it clear that he hopes his future is in Washington.
“I love Ron,” Heinicke told reporters, via JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. “I want to be back in Washington.”
Heinicke may feel that he is still competing for a roster spot, but it is possible that he won a little money or at least a guaranteed spot in the NFL squad at Super Wild-Card Weekend. He was on the losing side of things against the Buccaneers, but he was undoubtedly the player in the game. At the end of the third quarter, he led a seven-yard, 61-yard run that was crowned by an incredible eight-yard run for a touchdown.
Heinicke’s heroism at that time reduced the deficit to just two points. After Tampa Bay converted a field goal into the ensuing possession, Heinicke’s attack and Washington entered the field with a chance to take the lead. Instead, the reserve caller injured his left shoulder and was escorted to the locker room while Washington kicked the ball away. He returned a few minutes later, however, and led an 11-yard, 75-yard run that resulted in a touchdown – a beautiful 11-yard coin for Steven Sims that reduced the lead to six points before Washington finally lost.
Heinicke may have a few options to choose from this off-season, but with how comfortable he is apparently with Rivera, Washington may have found his true number two defender.