Taylor Heinicke signed with Washington in December 2020 as an emergency quarterback during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heinicke quickly became a franchise legend for his performance in an emergency start for Washington in a Wild-Card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January.
That performance earned Heinicke a two-year contract.
Washington signed veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick to start in 2021, but his season was over in the second quarter of Week 1. Heinicke would not only finish that game, but he started 15 games in 2021, with Washington going 7-8 in his starts.
Considering Washington’s injuries and COVID issues, Heinicke winning seven games as the starting quarterback was impressive.
Still, head coach Ron Rivera let everyone know the Commanders would be looking for a quarterback in the offseason. Rivera called everyone. Washington offered multiple first-round picks for Russell Wilson, but he ended up with the Broncos.
So, the Commanders turned their attention to Carson Wentz. With Heinicke under contract for the 2022 season, he would be Wentz’s backup, a role he is prepared for.
Remember, last offseason, Heinicke entered the offseason as Fitzpatrick’s backup.
“It’s [his thought process] kind of the same, cause last offseason I came in here as the backup to Fitz, Heinicke said. And kind of the same thing this year. I think the only difference is that I have experience now, having started 15 or 16 games. I kinda feel like I know what it takes to be a good quarterback, know what it takes to win. So I think that’s the biggest difference from last year to this year. But again, this situation is no different than any other year I’ve been in. It’s kind of clawing my way in, earning that spot on the team, and go from there. The biggest thing I do — you’ve heard me say this — is control what I can control, go out there, do my best and see what happens.”
Heinicke discussed his offseason, spending time in Los Angeles with a personal QB coach, who also happened to work with Wentz. Heinicke noted he had never done that before and feels it will make him a better quarterback in 2022.
While Wentz would love to start, he’s realistic about his chances.
“I don’t think that’s an option,” Heinicke said. “If you’re paying someone $30 million and someone else $2 million. You’re paying this guy $30 million to play, you know. Carson is a great quarterback, and I hope he goes out there and succeeds. My job is to back him up.”
LIVE: Taylor Heinicke speaks with the media at minicamp https://t.co/jx2ZZ0Rq7K
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 15, 2022
Heinicke said the quarterback room has been “a lot of fun.” He praised both Wentz and rookie Sam Howell.
Washington fans should love Heinicke. He’s the ultimate underdog; his teammates love and believe in him. Yes, he’s limited, but he’s super-competitive, knows the offense and has no fear. And if Wentz is forced to miss time, Heinicke can win games for the Commanders.
Heinicke has the right attitude. And if Washington needs him next season, rest assured he’ll be ready.