4 keys to victory for the Carolina Panthers vs. Washington in Week 11
By Noah Bryce
Carolina Panthers must pressure Taylor Heinicke into mistakes
Pressure is the enemy of any quarterback and that is no different with Taylor Heinicke.
While this is the first real starting opportunity for the former Carolina Panthers’ backup, Heinicke has performed well above expectations this season. Looking poised and in control on almost every snap.
This is something that cannot be said for all the starters in the NFL and certainly not many backups. Heinicke plays with an intensity and grit that every coach loves and the moment never seems too big for the quarterback.
The Old Dominion product has shown accuracy and arm strength that is incredibly impressive when matched with his decision-making and ability to cycle through reads methodically. Where that all starts to fall apart, however, is when the pressure starts to get home.
Overthrows are possibly the most dangerous thing a quarterback can do at the NFL level and that is the main weakness of Heinicke’s game when under pressure. Whether that be because of an urgency to get the ball out of his hands to avoid a sack or just wanting to make a quick play it’s still an issue.
There were multiple throws against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that could, and probably should, have been intercepted when Heinicke was running around to avoid the sack and overthrew his intended target.
That kind of thing is what makes corners like Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore very excited.
If the pass rush can consistently win their assignments, it will force Heinicke into more rushed throws. That means more opportunities for those ball hawks to watch his eyes and drive on the ball.
Heinicke may not have many glaring weaknesses to his game, but this is one that the Panthers have been built to capitalize on.