Commanders Recap

 November 17th, 2022

 

Monday Night Football Recap:

“The People’s Quarterback”

Everybody remembers Taylor Heineke’s signature NFC Wildcard game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. He made electrifying plays and stole the heart of every NFL fan for a week. It was a magical moment for an unknown hero that was sitting in class completing his degree only a week prior. Taylor’s remarkable performance gave Washington Commander’s fans an entertaining night, but still they did not see him as the guy.

 Image via NBC Sports

Fast forward to this season, Taylor has forced himself into this franchise's future. Let me set the stage! This past summer, Washington signed Taylor Heineke to a 1 year deal that did not pay much but offered a lot in incentives. The deal seemed to signal that Taylor would be a backup, if Washington could find a starting quarterback in free agency. Enter Carson Wentz, who the Commanders signed to be their starting QB. Washington was looking for a veteran presence in their locker room. Washington’s acquisition seemed to backfire by week 3 of the season, when the team’s offense, under Carson Wentz, struggled mightily. Star player Terry McLaurin was not seeing enough targets and frustration built up in the locker room. Carson Wentz’s leadership was being questioned by everyone in the media and the team was looking at a dreadful season. Carson Wentz was injured in Week 4 against the Titans and the offense had a familiar face at the helm again. Taylor Heineke revealed something about his talent that people did not know about him, leadership.

 

Image via NBC Sports

 Over the next few weeks, we saw life breathed into this team. I have seen a lot of quarterbacks come through this town, Heineke is different then all of them. Although he doesn’t wow you with his talent, his heart and determination are on full display. Every time he steps on the field, he gives it his all and his teammates see it. Terry McLaurin has been playing with the most emotion I have seen in his career. Taylor Heineke has made his teammates believe that they can win and that is invaluable. Taylor gives his receivers a chance to make plays in true gunslinger fashion. It has led to some untimely interceptions but has also won the team 3 games. I remember the same effect during his game against Tampa Bay, but I chalked it to the energy of the playoffs. It turns out, Taylor Heineke always brings the energy.

Image via NBC Sports

Finally, we get to Monday Night Football. The Washington Commanders are 4-5 heading to Philadelphia to play the undefeated Eagles. The Commanders were coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Vikings that left them wanting revenge. National media were writing off the Commanders because of the instability at quarterback. The fanbase and local media felt differently. The team was making progress each week and the new leadership sparked a fire in this team. Taylor Heineke came to Philadelphia on primetime television and embarrassed the best team in the NFL. I am here to tell you, this is no fluke. Taylor Heineke is a dangerous man and he is not to be taken lightly. He has highlighted Washington’s talented skill position players and is competing to take this team to the postseason. Underdog stories in sports are the best, but Heineke is no longer the underdog. National media will again call it a fluke, but they are wrong all the time. It’s time to give the man his flowers and the respect that he deserves. I have learned my lesson and I hope you have too! Never doubt Taylor Heineke!