On Christmas Eve, a different Falcons team faced the Colts. Arthur Smith’s team played a clean game from start to end despite having their backs against the wall and a new quarterback behind center (again).
Gardner Minshew and crew were held in check by the defense. Jonathan Taylor struggled in the run game, and the Falcons recorded a season-high six sacks, holding the Colts to just 10 points. Meanwhile, the offense had its finest game of the season, scoring a season-high 29 points while avoiding mistakes. Taylor Heinicke, who threw for 229 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, clearly provides the Falcons the best opportunity to win right now. However, don’t be fooled by his performance yesterday; there’s a 0% chance he’ll be Atlanta’s starting quarterback after this season.
Arthur Smith’s passing thoughts are no longer as bland with Heinicke at the helm. The Falcons’ head coach has more faith in Heinicke to make sound judgments and keep the ball safe. However, I’m not convinced it’s justified.
Taylor Heinicke has always been a gunslinger in the NFL. He’s a gamer who isn’t hesitant to put the ball in tight windows, but that comes with risks. Fortunately, the Colts were unable to capitalize on Sunday. Heinicke made a number of enormous tosses that were almost jaw-dropping. In the same breath, he put the ball in danger just as much as Ridder did. The Colts just failed to catch the ball. Heinicke might easily have had 3-4 interceptions. In that regard, there is virtually little difference between him and Ridder.
Nobody should be moaning about a 19-point victory over a possible playoff club that had been playing well before the holidays. The Falcons’ playoff aspirations remain alive, and Taylor Heinicke provides this team a fantastic opportunity to finish the season on a strong note, but no one should be surprised by what is to come this offseason.
Regardless of who is in control of the Falcons, they will be looking for a franchise quarterback. Taylor Heinicke has never been and will never be the long-term answer at center. Once the season is over, finding that answer will be the main priority.
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