Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera made it clear he will not be moving away from Taylor Heinicke as starting quarterback, ending a potential debate before it even began.
A 23-10 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday moved the Commanders to 6-5 for the season, though they remain bottom of the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles (9-1), Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants (both 7-3).
After beginning the season 3-4, a significant improvement in the past five games (4-1) has seen Rivera’s side claw their way back into playoff contention following the switch to Heinicke as a starter.
Carson Wentz continues to be a topic of conversation, though Rivera sees no need for another switch.
“We’re going to go with Taylor,” he said, then merely replying “winning” when quizzed as to why.
“He doesn’t need to play well. He just needs to play. We just need to continue to do the things we’re doing.
Party in H-Town pic.twitter.com/6eFvE4M6ZU
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 20, 2022
“I’m not looking to pull anybody. This is not a competition as far as a controversy. That’s the last thing on my mind. That’s why we talked about doing it one game at a time.”
On his side of things, Heinicke is keen to take things on a game by game basis and enjoy the role as a starter for as long as it may last.
“I take every opportunity I can get and have fun with it. Something may change in two weeks and [Wentz is] back in there. Who knows?” He said post game.
“But this week I’ll have fun with it, go out there and hopefully get a win. I feel I play my best doing that.”
The Commanders have another winnable game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12, then face division rivals the Giants before a bye in Week 14.