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5 Commanders reality checks for Week 15 against the NY Giants

By Tim Payne

Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera reacts to a call during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera reacts to a call during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) runs the ball in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) runs the ball in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Reality Is, it’s time for Taylor to use his legs.

He’s not Lamar Jackson or Cam Newton in his prime, but Taylor Heinicke is a plus athlete at the quarterback position, and he has really not utilized that skillset this year at all. While his moxie, toughness and playmaking have contributed to the Commanders’ resurgence this season, I’ve pointed out before that he’s really not played particularly well in recent weeks.

But if Heinicke were to take advantage of his legs, he might unlock the ceiling that many believe he’s yet to reach. New York has young, athletic, and slightly undisciplined EDGE rushers in Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux. The exciting young duo is ripe for some misdirection and QB keepers on read-option, etc.

I’d like to see Heinicke call his own number a few times on read options this week, and I’d like Scott Turner to call a few bootleg clear-out plays with the intention of Heinicke taking off running once he gets the edge. Now that they have Wentz back on the active roster, maybe they will be a little less hesitant to put Heinicke in position to use his legs.

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