One fourth-quarter mistake nearly spoiled an otherwise solid performance by Taylor Heinicke in his start at quarterback for the Washington Football Team on Thursday night.
But after a costly interception, Heinicke led Washington on a drive that ended with Dustin Hopkins’ game-winning, 43-yard field goal as time expired in a 30-29 victory at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.
Heinicke, a former Old Dominion star, completed 34 of 46 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns, and he orchestrated a 50-yard drive that ended at the Giants’ 25 to set up Hopkins.
Hopkins missed his first attempt at the game-winner, but a New York penalty — Dexter Lawrence was flagged for being offside — gave him another chance, and he made it to set off a celebration for Washington (1-1).
“We practice that situation a lot in practice,” Heinicke said during his postgame press conference. “So I thought the guys were ready, and for it to come to fruition, for us to accomplish that goal in a game, was huge.”
New York scored on its first four possessions of the second half, but after the Giants went ahead 26-20, Heinicke needed just 17 seconds to put Washington ahead. J.D. McKissic slipped downfield for a 56-yard reception, and Ricky Seals-Jones outjumped defender Adoree’ Jackson in the corner of the end zone for a 19-yard TD to put Washington up 27-26 with 4:33 left in the fourth.
After a New York punt, Washington took over at its own 8. But Heinicke’s short pass on second down was intercepted by James Bradberry at the WFT 22. Graham Gano booted a 35-yard field goal that put New York ahead 29-27 with 2 minutes left.
But Heinicke completed six passes on the ensuing drive — with just one timeout — to set up Hopkins’ winning kick.
“He does have the ability to throw the ball and make all the throws. We’ve seen that,” Washington coach Ron Rivera said. “And he’s got a lot of confidence.”
“He’s always ready for his moment,” wide receiver Terry McLaurin added of Heinicke, “and I love guys who are always ready for their moment, always prepared.”
Heinicke was named the starter earlier this week after Ryan Fitzpatrick went on injured reserve with a hip injury. Heinicke was one of two former ODU stars on the field Thursday night: Oshane Ximines started at outside linebacker for New York.
Heinicke’s last start was a playoff game in January against Tampa Bay. Before that, he had not started an NFL game since his days with the Carolina Panthers during the regular season in 2018.
“It’s amazing,” Heinicke said. “The first start was what, two or three years ago in Carolina? Threw three picks, tore my tricep, it was just a brutal thing — and that was my last start until last year (against) Tampa. Come in to Tampa last year, had a good game, but ultimately fell up short. And finally get that first win.”
On Thursday, Heinicke guided Washington on two first-half scoring drives, capping the first with a touchdown pass to McLaurin. Heinicke also led the WFT on a TD drive just before halftime, completing seven passes during the possession.
Heinicke finished the first half 17 of 21 for 161 yards, and Washington led 14-10.
New York quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 249 yards and a touchdown for the Giants (0-2). He also ran for 95 yards and a TD.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Jami Frankenberry, 757-446-2376, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com
