Washington has a kicker: Ron Rivera probably should’ve waited for a kicker like Joey Slye to become available before he impulsively released Dustin Hopkins, but we’re able to forgive him after Slye’s mistake-free debut.
It’s crazy what can happen when you’re able to lift the ball over your offensive line and past the line of scrimmage, right? The big-legged kicker was perfect on the afternoon, converting all three of his field goals, including a long of 46 yards on the offense’s opening drive, and both of his extra-points.
Ladies and gentlemen, Washington has a kicker.
Terry McLaurin doesn’t need a big game to make an impact: McLaurin gave us a scare in the first half when he left with a collarbone injury, but he emerged from the locker room in short order and was cleared to return.
This wasn’t your typical dominant performance from McLaurin, as Tampa Bay clearly game-planned to limit his impact. However, the star WR came up when it mattered most, hauling in a host of passes on Washington’s game-ending drive, which spanned 19 plays and took nearly 11 minutes off the clock.
The biggest of them all came on a 3rd and five in the red zone where he got absolutely lit up by a Bucs defensive back. Being the contested-catch savant he is, McLaurin reeled it in and celebrated by flexing in front of the FedEx Field faithful.
McLaurin is more than capable of going off for 100-plus yards any given week, but Sunday proved he doesn’t need to dominate to be a difference maker. The last time we checked, that’s the tell-tale indicator of a superstar.
Terry McLaurin: Contested catch machine. pic.twitter.com/IKc0tfwMSg
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 14, 2021
Taylor Heinicke has Tampa’s number: For all of his inconsistencies this year, Heinicke once again showed up against the Buccaneers. The fan favorite quarterback lucked out on a couple of wonky throws, but he showed poise in the pocket, which is something we haven’t seen nearly enough of this season.
Heinicke finished 26-of-32 (81.2%) for 256 yards and one touchdown, equating to a robust 110.4 passer rating.
He might not be the long-term answer under center, but he quieted any talk of a potential switch to Kyle Allen for the foreseeable future. There’s something to be said for that. Without him, there’s no way Washington wins this game.