Burgundy & Gold Reaction: Heinicke Clutch???

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December 7, 2021

by David Earl

Another Game Winning Drive

Say what you want about Taylor Heinicke being a franchise quarterback or not; the man just has that clutch gene. How many times in recent memory has Washington lost a lead late and the fans simply felt defeated knowing it’s over? That number is beyond counting at this point, but Heinicke provides something rare for this team that not even Kirk Cousins could do, and that’s his ability to make the fans and the team believe that Washington always has a chance. In Week 10, late in the 4th quarter, after Tom Brady pulls off a 3 play drive to bring Tampa Bay within 4 points, Heinicke responded by engineering a 19 play, 10:26 drive to ice the game after many of us thought, “Here comes the great Tom Brady!” In Week 11, after Cam Newton brought Carolina back to tie the game, Heinicke then led Washington an after an 12 play, 6:26 minute drive which culminated into a FG.  Heinicke then put together another scoring drive to seal another game. In week 13, the dreaded primetime environment, which has been embarrassing (to say the least) for this organization, Heinicke had a 16 play drive that burned 8:31 and resulted in a turnover on downs inside the 5 yard line after the injury to kicker Joey Slye. Of course, Russell Wilson did what Russell Wilson does, scoring on a 96 yard TD drive but that was hardly Heinicke’s fault. Finally, this week, after the Raiders took a late 4th quarter 2 point lead, Heinicke yet again drove the team downfield for a chance to win the game. With all everyone’s collective breath held, Brian Johnson squeaked in the game-winner from 49 yards out.

Taylor is not without his flaws too, as he continues to struggle with his mechanics. Too many passes sailing high, such as the Logan Thomas TD aided (in my observation) by his tendency to not get set and throw off his back foot. There is zero doubting Heinicke’s moxie and his nerves of steel when his back is against the wall, but if he wants a true shot being Washington’s future there’s work to be done. While this wasn’t Heinicke’s best game overall, I am not going to overly criticize him, because he came through when this team needed him the most, and that’s what’s most important.

Defensive Turnaround Starts on 3rd Downs

 

While the team’s most apparent liability still tends to be at the second level of the defense, the linebackers, it’s no secret that the defense has made a turnaround. In the first 8 games of the season, it was almost a lock that the defense was going to give up a conversion on 3rd and long, as they just couldn’t get off the field. In week 2 Giants quarterback Daniel Jones looked like an MVP, posting a 102 passer rating. Then, in weeks 3 through 8 during the gauntlet of elite quarterbacks the defense gave away 3rd down conversions like candy on Halloween. During this stretch, Jack Del Rio faced the burden of questions about selfish play and miscommunication in the secondary resulting in back-breaking passes over 20 yards. In these last 4 games, we saw a move inside by Landon Collins, which benefitted the run defense while impacting the passing game on the blitz  The secondary held Tom Brady to an 80 passer rating and spoiled Newton’s homecoming as a starter in Carolina. With all the positive changes, the most important improvement has been the 180 change in the 3rd down defense that’s been the catalyst of this 4 game win streak. Forcing 3 and outs on several occasions has resulted in Washington dominating time of possession over these weeks, especially through the run game where Gibson continues to handle the bulk of the run duties.

As far as the linebacker core I am not about to fault Cole Holcomb for allowing Hunter Renfrow to run wild from the slot. He’s a small shifty wide receiver which no linebacker has any business covering. That falls squarely on the shoulders of coaching. Taking that from the equation, Holcomb was an impactful player for the entire game, playing a key part in pass defense one of which saved a TD. Jamin Davis has not exactly progressed as we hoped for a first-round pick, but he certainly showed flashes of his athletic ability in the open field. Of course, his most notable play was on a 3rd down screen which he played perfectly and is a play I saw as a game saver.

Controlling Our Own Destiny

With Dallas not running away with the division as most thought and the bipolar nature of the Eagles, this team is positioned to not only eclipse last year’s win totals but also to win the division again. While the playoffs are now becoming a reality it’s the division most counted Washington out of since week 6 that’s in reach. Provided the defense can continue to get off the field on 3rd downs and the secondary continues to play sound disciplined football, there is absolutely nothing to fear in this stretch of the next 5 games. With Ron Rivera‘s history of December play, this fanbase should no longer look forward to disappointment but be optimistic of what this team is capable of. With Heinicke being practically infallible in these pressure moments, Washington shouldn’t even be counted out if trailing late in these games. So buckle up people and enjoy this ride because I have a feeling something very special is upon us which will go far in what happens beyond this season. A winning culture is forming before our eyes and the best part is we, as fans, are not being filled with empty promises but seeing action being taken on the field with positive results. When was the last time we saw that??? They say, “Be careful what you wish for,” but right now I just don’t care…WE WANT DALLAS!!!