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

Stud(s): Bobby McCain, Jamin Davis

It was Davis’ “blunder” on a wheel route to Nyheim Hines that set the Colts up with a first and goal, but the second-year linebacker did superbly to rectify his mistake by stuffing Jonathan Taylor short of the goal line on 3rd and goal.

Of course, that doesn’t happen if not for Bobby McCain, who made a touchdown-saving tackle on Michael Pittman a play earlier. It was ruled a touchdown in real time but was overturned upon further review, which set the stage for Davis’ signature moment.

Stud(s): Taylor Heinicke/Terry McLaurin

Save the best for last, right?

Heinicke was oh, so close to receiving a dud for this performance, but leading an 89-yard drive down by six with just over two minutes left in regulation washes away all of Heinicke’s previous shortcomings, including the fourth quarter interception that seemed to have put the nail Washington’s coffin.

Always composed in crunch time, Heinicke was flawless on the final drive, connecting on a 4th down and 6 to Curtis Samuel before hitting Cam Sims for a big gain over the middle that really took some of the pressure off. Those big-time throws preluded the heave to McLaurin, who Randy Moss’d one of the best cornerbacks of his generation.

Sunday marked McLaurin’s first game back in Indianapolis, his hometown, since he was drafted. There was only going to be one winner on that jump ball.

What an absolutely incredible ending to a dull football game. The Commanders are back in business, and they (largely) have Heinicke to thank for it.

Time for the QB to add a pair of blue and white Jordans to his collection!