5 most memorable moments of Taylor Heinicke’s time with Commanders

What were the most memorable moments of quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s short but inspiring spell with the Washington Commanders?

The man, the myth, the legend has left the building and is returning home.

Taylor Heinicke signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, which included a $4 million signing bonus. Not bad for someone who was unemployed and sleeping on his sister’s couch a little over two years ago before signing with the Washington Commanders.

Heinicke optimizes the American Dream. Some may say he’s lucky, but luck is when opportunity meets hard work, and the signal-caller sure had to work hard to get to where he is.

At a hair over six feet and around 210 pounds, you wouldn’t think Heinicke was a professional quarterback. And for a long time, you’d be right.

After a stunning college career at Old Dominion, he went undrafted. Then, Heinicke bounced around the league – getting cut four times in four years – before becoming a backup in the XFL.

But he continued to have one man believe in him, Scott Turner. Sometimes that is all you need. After getting his shot and going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady in the 2021 Wild Card game, he won the belief of his teammates and eventually the fanbase.

Yes, if you look at the metrics, they don’t say much. His 12-12-1 record as a starter isn’t amazing, but it’s still better than Kirk Cousins, Robert Griffin III, Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell, Donovan McNabb, Trent Green, and Doug Williams. Clearly, Washington hasn’t had the best luck with the quarterback position.

Yes, Heinicke is a limited passer and can sometimes make head-scratching decisions, but one thing he doesn’t lack is heart. The man doesn’t give up. He never says die. He never quits. And that is why he gets respect.

There were countless times when Heinicke made a mistake, such as throwing a late interception. However, he would bounce right back on the next drive.

In Week 2 of the 2021 campaign, Heinicke threw a late pick, letting the New York Giants take a 29-27 lead. But he brought the team into field goal range to pick up the win.

In Week 13 of the same season, Heinicke’s late interception allowed the Las Vegas Raiders to take a 15-14 lead. Once again, the quarterback got the team into kicking range for victory.

Heinicke threw an interception with just over 12 minutes left against the Indianapolis Colts to take a 16-7 lead. But, once again, the Houdini-esque man under center worked his magic and the Commanders came away with the triumph.

I for one want to thank Heinicke for all the memories. Let’s take a look at the top five highlights from his career in Washington.

Taylor Heinicke’s pylon drive

The play that started it all. In only the second start of his NFL career, Taylor Heinicke was tasked with going up against Tom Brady. Was he intimidated? It sure didn’t look like it.

Heinicke passed for 306 yards and a touchdown to go along with 46 rushing yards. This also included the now-infamous Pylon Dive touchdown.

On a 3rd-and-5 from the eight-yard line, Heinicke showed his grit, diving for the pylon to pull the Washington Commanders within two points. Not only did it win the respect of his teammates but it was Heinicke’s introduction to the football world.

Even Patrick Mahomes was impressed.

Taylor Heinicke’s no-look pass

Heinicke grew up a Packers fan and idolized Brett Favre, which makes this play and beating the Green Bay Packers all the more special.

Getting his first start of the 2022 season due to an injury to Carson Wentz, Heinicke started the game very rusty, going 1-for-7 with a pick-six, which led to the Packers going up 14-3.

The Commanders bounced back, scoring 20 straight points, and on a late 3rd-and-9, Heinicke found Terry McLaurin, while his eyes were closed. This allowed the team to run down the majority of the clock, not giving Aaron Rodgers enough time to stage a comeback.

Taylor Heinicke’s best Brett Favre impression

Taylor Heinicke played the villain in Cam Newton’s comeback start with the Carolina Panthers, leading the Washington Commanders to a 27-21 win while playing a near-perfect game. He threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers attached.

With the game tied, midway through the fourth quarter, Riverboat Ron decided to go for it on 4th-and-3 against his old employers. Heinicke escaped the pocket and found John Bates for a clutch completion, leading to Mark Sanchez on commentary describing the play as “about as Brett Favre as you can get”.

Terry McLaurin was equally impressed, complimenting his quarterback for the play after the game. This play was yet another example of how Heinicke won over the locker room at a time when all hope seemed lost.

"“And when things don’t necessarily look the greatest out there with looks, he does a great job of improvising, keeping plays alive. That fourth down to John Bates was huge for us. Not too many quarterbacks are making that play to keep that play alive and keep the drive going.”"

That play led to the drive ending in the go-ahead field goal and a lead that the Commanders did not relinquish. Leaving Newton and the Panthers licking their wounds despite coming into the game on the back of a fantastic victory at the Arizona Cardinals.

Taylor Heinicke’s got ’em moment

The Washington Commanders handed the Philadelphia Eagles their first loss of the 2022 season in Week 10. Although Taylor Heinicke didn’t have the best start with an early fumble, his smarts helped put the game away.

With one minute, 45 seconds left in the game, on a 3rd-and-7, Heinicke gave himself up by taking a knee, right before two defenders came crashing into him for a would-be sack. This led to an unnecessary roughness call, giving Washington a first down, and allowing them to run out most of the clock.

Taylor Heinicke: Homecoming King

Returning to his home state, and now current team, Heinicke balled out, throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns at the Atlanta Falcons.

With Washington down 30-22, Heinicke led back-to-back touchdown drives of 70 and 76 yards to help the Commanders secure a memorable 34-30 comeback triumph. Something that obviously didn’t go unnoticed by the Falcons, who snapped him up on the second day of legal tampering.

On a 3rd-and-7 from the 30, Heinicke bought himself some time and found J.D. McKissic, who did the rest of the work. The quarterback himself said this was his fifth read, so it was impressive to see him go through his progressions.

Although Washington was in field goal range at the 30-yard-line, Dustin Hopkins had already missed two extra points, so Heinicke did what he does and put the team on his back to secure the victory.

And with that, we bid you farewell, Taylor. Did you agree with the top five plays or do you have other favorites? Feel free to share in the comments below.