3 reasons the Carolina Panthers can beat Washington in Week 11
By Luke Tucker
Former Carolina Panthers QB Taylor Heinicke isn’t invincible
Washington’s backup quarterback, Taylor Heinicke, took the sports world by storm in January when he started the wildcard playoff game in Alex Smith’s place. Going up against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the signal-caller put it all on the line for his team and nearly knocked out the eventual Super Bowl champions.
He was rewarded with a new two-year contract, but that didn’t stop Ron Rivera and company from bringing in veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick as a short-term answer at the position.
Fitzpatrick’s reign didn’t last long though, as he suffered a hip injury in Week 1, and has been on injured reserve since. That means that for the first time in his career, Heinicke has been given a chance to prove himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. The toughness and heart he plays with are undeniable, but the results have been modest thus far.
Entering Week 11, Heinicke ranks 18th in passing yards, 19th in touchdowns, and 26th in QBR. He’s not Sam Darnold bad, but he’s not Brady good either.
He’s pretty much an average quarterback who can be a terrific backup. And you truly can’t help but respect his game and the way he plays. But still, he isn’t someone who is going to strike fear into opposing defenses, week-in and week-out, especially when that defense is as elite as the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina has shut down opponents’ aerial attacks, and it has translated into the unit becoming one of the best in the league. Through 10 games the Panthers are giving up the fewest passing yards in the NFL (173.7 per game), and the third-fewest yards per attempt (6.4). They also are tied for fourth in sacks (27) and have recorded more sack-yards-lost than any team not named the Los Angeles Rams.
The point of saying all that is to say this: Heinicke isn’t a bad quarterback, and goodness knows he’s easy to root for, but he’s got some tough-sledding ahead of him this weekend in Charlotte.
The Panthers’ defense is easily top-five in the league, and nobody is better at defending the pass. Heinicke has a special spot in the hearts of football fans, but his homecoming may end a bit rockier than the guy wearing the black No. 1 jersey this Sunday.