Heinicke does it his way

Ashburn, Virginia-Taylor Heinicke was waiting for a cooler box full of Budweiser after a big win over Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl Champion.

Three days later, he shuffled the pizza box and left empty-handed when only the vegetables were left. Oh, he wore a Budweiser hoodie this “Wednesday of Victory”.

Heinicke is far from the NFL’s typical franchise quarterback, but he’s trying to show Ron Rivera that he can be his own version of Washington. Defeating Brady and the Buccaneers was a good step, and now comes the challenge of facing a man he calls the “God of Charlotte,” Kam Newton, and the Carolina Panthers.

Growing up as a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Heinicke imagines what these players would face with the “Superman Cam” and plays Madden’s video games now that he’s in the limelight. It draws from his own childhood excitement. He doesn’t distract-or is a big hit if you need to win a touchdown or take one to pick up the first down. It was the Swagger that made Heinicke popular with teammates and fans.

“I feel like I’m doing my best when I can be myself, passionate and emotional,” Heinicke said.

Heinicke’s star grew up when he unexpectedly nodded in place of veteran Alex Smith, who was injured in the playoffs to Tampa Bay in Washington last season. It was his second pro start and the first time for Rivera and Carolina three years ago.

“He has made great strides and we are seeing it,” Rivera said of Heinicke’s growth since 2018. I think his decision is clearly better. I think it’s just a matter of getting an opportunity with the person in charge when you’re with him. “

Heinicke is now the 10th start of his career, which seemed to end a year ago. Old Dominion University products were taking online classes to earn a bachelor’s degree and wanted another chance to play soccer.

It came as Washington’s so-called “quarantine quarterback” last season, evolved into Heinicke on behalf of Ryan Fitzpatrick as a starter, and evaded Rivera’s favorite Kyle Allen to continue working. He completed the best 81.3% of his pass career against the Buccaneers, threw a touchdown, led 19 plays, 10:26 drives (the longest in the league this season) and closed the turmoil of 29-19. I did. ..

“Getting out of the game gives you a lot of confidence,” Heinicke said.

Heinike’s belief is also part of his persona. Players told Rivera that they felt like they had a chance to talk to Heinicke.

“Taylor Heinicke’s stolen goods are completely invisible until you see them,” said top receiver Terry McLaurin, who caught four of Heinicke’s 12 touchdown passes this season. “He is quietly confident walking in the field and seems to know what he is doing.”

That confidence comes after a big play, like a 20-yard TD pass to De Andre Carter in a Tampa Bay game. When Washington players saw Heinicke’s flex, McLaughlin said, “I can feel the confidence oozing out of him.”

The same thing happened after Heinicke jumped into the pylon at the wildcard loss in January. Chase Young looked at the TV camera and pointed to the Heinike jersey nameplate as a way to clarify who was leading Washington.

There is no doubt that it is now that Heinicke continues to make a name for himself.

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Heinicke does it his way

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