Watch emotional Taylor Heinicke soak in being named Commanders starter

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 20: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders looks on during the first quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 20: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders looks on during the first quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Commanders handled their business against the lowly Houston Texans on Sunday. The Texans are headed full-steam for the No. 1 overall pick this year, and the Commanders treated them like the bottom-dweller they are, as Taylor Heinicke picked up his fourth win in five starts this season.

While the offense did what it needed, the defense was the story of the game, as it delivered another dominant performance on the road. Between Kendall Fuller’s pick-six, sacking Davis Mills five times and limiting talented rookie running back Dameon Pierce, who had 770 rushing yards coming in, to just 10 yards, all three levels asserted their dominance.

It was exactly the kind of performance Washington needed after its unlikely victory over Philadelphia on Monday Night Football.

That win all but confirmed Heinicke would continue starting under center, but the fact Carson Wentz wasn’t activated off injured reserve and officially named the backup left some speculation that there was still a decision to be made.

Just before kickoff, though, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed Heinicke would start moving forward. As you might expect, Heinicke was full of emotion talking about the news after the win to FOX’s Jennifer Hale.

Taylor Heinicke is living out his dream after he was named the Commanders’ starting quarterback.

The 29-year-old got choked up during the interview, but he impressively kept his emotions intact and provided some great answers. It’s clear this means everything to him, and it’s easy to understand why the locker room gravitates towards him. Whatever “it” is, it’s quite obvious Heinicke has plenty to spare.

An equally-important takeaway was Heinicke’s humility. Fans will love hearing the quarterback wasn’t satisfied with his performance. Heinicke acknowledged he has to play better and the offense left some points on the board.

He was lucky not to be intercepted early, as Texans defensive back Jalen Pitre dropped a gift-wrapped interception, but he limited mistakes and allowed the rushing attack to carry the offense after Washington jumped out to an early lead.

Here’s another clip of the Old Dominion product soaking in the big news while talking to the Washington media postgame.

Heinicke’s been playing with fire since he took over for Carson Wentz, but he undoubtedly deserves to keep the train rolling. The team plays with a different energy when he’s in the huddle, and there’s no reason to mess with that.

It’s not always going to be pretty with Heinicke, but winning isn’t easy in the NFL, and Heinicke’s 4-1 record speaks for itself.

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