In his first start of the season, Taylor Heinicke pulled out all the stops in leading the Washington Football Team to victory over the Giants on Thursday Night Football.
Nationally televised games aren't usually Washington's forte; to see them get a victory in such stunning fashion was bound to elicit strong reactions.
After taking over for injured Ryan Fitzpatrick midway through last Sunday's game against the Chargers, Heinicke, making only the second regular-season start of his career, was the star of the show Thursday night.
And deservedly so...
Here's how national media pundits reacted to and their outlets are covering Heinicke's latest breakout performance:
Louis Riddick, ESPN
Emmanuel Acho, Fox Sports 1
Brian Baldinger, NFL Network/Audacy Sports
Baldy says Heinicke is "anything BUT a game manager," calling him "fearless" while taking 'shot plays,' the reason he believes Washington ultimately won the game.
Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Ian Rapoport set the scene in Washington for NFL Network viewers following Washington's 30-29 victory over the Giants, explaining that Ryan Fitzpatrick, who emerged from training camp as the starting QB, is shelved on Injured Reserve with a hip injury that could keep him out until mid-November.
While it was presumed that Fitzpatrick would regain his starting job upon returning, Rapoport suggests that situation could change quickly, should Heinicke continue turning out game-winning performances like he did Thursday night.
"But then you see Taylor Heinicke come out last night and play the way he did, it does add a different variable to the mix," Rapoport said. "Does he come in and keep the starting job? If you're Fitz, obviously Washington does want him back. Absolutely no doubt about it, they want him back. Believe he will be back this season."
"But the way Heinicke played, the belief this team has in him... he's younger, he's cheaper, perhaps represents a bigger future," he continued. "If they're winning games like they did last night and Heinicke plays as well as he did, does he keep the job? This is obviously a big question going forward for Washington."
JR SportBrief, CBS Sports Radio
Michael Fabiano, Sports Illustrated
Barstool Sports
Pro Football Focus
Field Yates, ESPN
Sunday Night Football
NFL
CBS Sports
Torrey Smith
Last but not least, former NFL receiver Torrey Smith, the self-anointed leader of the Taylor Heinicke fan club. Smith played with Heinicke for a season in Carolina and has been beating the drum for him ever since. Smith has described Heinicke as a "gamer" who just needs a chance to prove himself.
A few mind-blowing stats:
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