Taylor Heinicke Nov 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) takes the field for warm ups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
NFLBy Arthur Weinstein on

The Washington Commanders are Taylor Heinicke’s team now.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera made that clear Sunday afternoon after the 29-year-old quarterback led the team to a 23-10 victory over the Houston Texans. Heinicke passed for 191 yards and avoided mistakes in leading the Commanders to their fourth victory in his five starts.

Carson Wentz, who began the season as the starter, led the team to a 2-4 mark before suffering a hand injury on October 13. Rivera said he’ll serve as the backup when he returns.

“We’re gonna go with Taylor,” Rivera said. “We’ll work with Carson and see where Carson is, as far as whether he’s ready to be the backup.”

“It’s a special moment,” Heinicke said after Rivera made the announcement. “It’s something I’ve been working for my whole life. … I just want to keep this thing rolling.”

Heinicke, who played under Rivera with the Carolina Panthers before joining him in Washington in 2020, has a good grasp of the team’s system. What had Heinicke done to make Rivera decide to announce his decision Sunday?

“Winning,” Rivera told reporters.

Fans seemed split on whether Heinicke is the answer at quarterback.

“Heinicke Magic is real,” tweeted Scott Abraham.

“Lieutenant Dan could have won that game for Washington today,” tweeted another fan.

[NBC Sports Commanders]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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