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Commanders studs and duds: Taylor Heinicke legend continues in Week 8 win

By Jerry Trotta

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 30: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders throws a pass in the first half of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 30: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders throws a pass in the first half of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 30: Darrick Forrest #22 of the Washington Commanders forces Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts to fumble in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 30: Darrick Forrest #22 of the Washington Commanders forces Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts to fumble in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Stud: Darrick Forrest

It’s crazy what a year can do for a player’s outlook. This time last season, Forrest looked like a wasted draft pick. Through eight games of 2022, however, he’s established himself as a building block on the Commanders’ defense.

He’s still learning on the job, but his penchant for making game-changing plays is rare and he delivered big time on Sunday with a forced fumble on Jonathan Taylor with the Colts positioned to reclaim the lead with a field goal.

Dud: Dan Snyder

No explanation is ever needed, but FOX cameras caught Snyder in his suite at Lucas Oil Stadium. Nobody ever wants to see that, though the shot did prelude the broadcast discussing Jim Irsay’s explosive attack on Washington’s owner.

Anyone else nearly regurgitate their lunch after this scene? Yuck.

Stud: Kam Curl

With Cole Holcomb ruled out, Curl was assigned the green dot as Washington’s defensive play-caller and was rock-solid as per.

The third-year pro entered Sunday as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded safety and he’ll likely retain that mantle after Week 8. Like always, Curl’s impact flew under the radar but his first notable play was a BIG one as he laid a pile-driver hit on Michael Pittman to keep the Colts’ receiver short of the marker.

Washington needs to extend Curl’s contract in the offseason.

Dud: 4th Down play calling

Folks, what on earth was this?

It’d be silly (and hypocritical) of us to criticize the decision to go for a 4th and 1 near midfield after we took issue with the lack of urgency before halftime, but this is the absolute worst formation to draw up in this scenario. At least run a RPO. The offense needed one yard and Brian Robinson started nearly eight yards behind the line of scrimmage and was swarmed without a chance to get the first.

The Colts kicked a field goal after taking over on downs. Bad all around.

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