Washington Football Team QB Taylor Heinicke reminds ESPN Analyst Dan Orlovsky about Tony Romo: "Clutch As It Can Get"

The Washington Football Team is preparing for an all-important matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. Ron Rivera’s crew has an opportunity to compete for a playoff spot and possibly an NFC East title. If not for incumbent starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke, Washington wouldn’t be in this position. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky recently drew an interesting comparison between Heinicke and Cowboys legend Tony Romo.

Dan Orlovsky compared Taylor Heinicke to a young Tony Romo

Taylor Heinicke continues to turn heads as the leader of the Washington Football Team. As the weeks go on, the Atlanta, Georgia native adds to his fan base. ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky is the latest to join the hype train.

Orlovsky praised Heinicke on a recent episode of Get Up. Ironically, he said that the Washington signal-caller reminds him of a former Dallas Cowboys star.

“I see a young Tony Romo,” said Orlovsky. “I see Taylor Heinicke on a four-game winning streak and just being clutch as it can get. 110 rating over those four weeks. 77% completion percentage over those four weeks. Seven touchdowns, two interceptions.”

The ESPN analyst further elaborated on the Romo comparison.

“I’m watching a guy that just constantly leads this football team on methodical drives,” said Orlovsky. “He’s great situationally, third down and the red zone. He’s aggressive with the football.”

Cowboys fans hope the clutch gene Orlovsky alluded to doesn’t show up for Heinicke in the Week 14 matchup against Washington.

The Washington Football Team QB has exceeded expectations

The Washington Football Team entered the 2021 season with Ryan Fitzpatrick as its starting quarterback. When the veteran went down with a hip injury in the season opener, Ron Rivera had to turn to Taylor Heinicke.

Heinicke emerged from the shadows toward the end of the 2020 season. He started the Football Team’s Wild Card playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The young signal-caller held his own, finishing with 306 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also added a rushing score.

Heinicke was an unknown player heading into that game. He played college football at Old Dominion but didn’t garner much attention leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft. He went undrafted but spent brief stints with the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers.

Washington signed Heinicke to the practice squad in 2020. Before the playoff game, he appeared in just one game for the team. He proved to be a competent option on a big stage against the greatest quarterback of all time.

When Fitzpatrick got injured to begin the 2021 season, the team had all the confidence in its backup quarterback (even if no one else did).

Heinicke’s play has been up and down overall, but he’s played well in the six games WFT has won in 2021. He’s thrown for 2,809 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 67.9% of his passes.

Heinicke’s path to earning starting job beyond 2021

No one will confuse Taylor Heinicke for an elite quarterback. However, that narrative existed for Tony Romo as well. The Washington Football Team signal-caller can continue to prove Dan Orlovsky right with a big performance against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ron Rivera and company are on a four-game winning streak, including a revenge victory over the Buccaneers. Heinicke has been outstanding during that span, limiting turnovers (two interceptions) and making clutch and timely plays.

With five games left on the Football Team’s schedule, the 28-year-old has a path to lead his squad to an NFC East crown. Washington has two games against the Dallas Cowboys, two against the Philadelphia Eagles, and a road date with the New York Giants to close the regular season.

Washington is 6-6 but controls its own destiny. If WFT continues its hot streak, it will be because the defense keeps playing lights out, and Taylor Heinicke plays smart football.

Even if the Football Team doesn’t win the division, it could lock up a playoff spot. Washington is currently the 6-seed in the NFC. A playoff berth would go a long way in the front office’s decision on Heinicke moving forward. Dan Orlovsky thinks he’s making Washington think twice.

“Taylor Heinicke is forcing the Washington organization to say, ‘hey, let’s make sure we don’t rush a decision because this kid’s playing good football.”

The former undrafted free agent can play his way into a full-time starting gig beyond 2021.

All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference.

RELATED: Ron Rivera Issues Stern Warning to Mike McCarthy Before Crucial Clash Against the Cowboys: ‘It’s a Big Mistake’

The post Washington Football Team QB Taylor Heinicke Reminds ESPN Analyst Dan Orlovsky of Tony Romo: ‘Clutch as It Can Get’ appeared first on Sportscasting | Pure Sports.

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By: Brandon Austin
Title: Washington Football Team QB Taylor Heinicke Reminds ESPN Analyst Dan Orlovsky of Tony Romo: ‘Clutch as It Can Get’
Sourced From: www.sportscasting.com/washington-football-team-taylor-heinicke-reminds-espn-analyst-dan-orlovsky-tony-romo-clutch-as-it-can-get/
Published Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2021 15:56:57 +0000

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