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3 reasons Commanders should have Taylor Heinicke on short leash

By Jerry Trotta

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

2. Already know what Heinicke brings at QB

Nobody denies what Heinicke’s accomplished as a backup quarterback. His performance against the eventual Super Bowl champion Buccaneers in the 2020 playoffs was nothing short of gutsy. And last season, Heinicke led an injury-depleted Washington side to seven wins with a bottom-barrel receiving corps.

Could Heinicke step in and provide a similar spark? Absolutely, but the Commanders already know what he provides as a quarterback. His scrambling ability would come in handy behind an inconsistent offensive line and his knack for showing up in the clutch is something Wentz has struggled with in his career.

And by the way, the offensive line has been markedly better in pass protection over the last couple of games so it’s not like the offense is begging for a mobile QB.

Howell is definitely unproven and has a lot of developing to do, but it wasn’t long ago (the preseason) fans were calling the UNC product an upgraded version of Heinicke: Howell might be a better runner and he has a bigger arm.

We just don’t want to see Heinicke underthrow deep balls and sail passes over receivers heads when the Commanders have a talented rookie waiting in the wings. If Howell was undrafted or Washington had a journeyman vet like Brian Hoyer as the third-stringer, Heincike would obviously get the nod.

Which brings us to our No. 1 reason.

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