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The Washington Commanders became the first team to beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, handing their division rival its first L of the season.
Maybe more impressively, they did it without their starting quarterback.
The Commanders used four Philly turnovers to overcome a first half deficit and leave Lincoln Financial Field with a huge win. The Eagles jumped out to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter but were outscored 25-7 the rest of the way. Washington put a cap on the evening by scoring on the final play of the game to land a 32-21 victory. The team celebrated appropriately on the trip home.
The four giveaways were more than the Eagles had totaled through their first eight games, but while the defensive playmakers were on display for Washington, it was the man under center that stole the show.
Taylor Heinicke landed his fourth start of the season as Carson Wentz has been sidelined with an injury. The Commanders traded for Wentz this past offseason in hopes that he’d be able to get him over the hump in the NFC East. After a 2-4 start, it became evident that he might not be the answer.
While an injury opened up an opportunity for Heinicke, his performance on the field could solidify his standing as the team’s starter. Over those four appearances, he’s led the Commanders to three victories with the lone defeat coming by three points to the 8-1 Vikings.
On Monday, he threw for 211 yards, showing the grit that’s cemented him as a team leader in the locker room. He’s already won over the approval of a star pass catcher.
Terry McLaurin spoke with Scott Van Pelt after the game to discuss how Heinicke’s presence under center has given the Washington team a boost.
“Taylor Heinicke is a guy who plays every play like it’s his last, man. He gives us a chance to win football games just the way he wills, the way he plays. His toughness, he’s willing to fight for the extra yards… I think we rally around him, honestly. We’re just so lucky to have a guy like that who has taken his opportunity and ran with it since he came with us in Tampa a few years ago.
“He just gives us a chance to win and the heart he plays with I feel like is infectious. I’m really happy to play with a guy like that who is gritty, you know what I mean? It’s dirty, it’s nasty. You love playing with guys like that because they elevate the guys around them.”
There’s no denying that the team looks different under Heinicke’s leadership. The undrafted free agent has now racked up 840 yards and five scores over his four starts. And most notably, those three wins.
Washington has suddenly gotten itself back into the playoff conversation, and for now, it seems Heinicke has a leg up in the QB race. Should the Commanders pull off the improbable, they’ll have him to thank for the turnaround.