Falcons' Taylor Heinicke Discusses Similarities with Gardner Minshew Ahead of Week 16 Matchup vs. Colts
Whether it be offenses getting worse, defenses getting better, or disproportionately poor injury luck, the NFL hasn’t been home to much good quarterbacking this season. Backup quarterbacks have come out of the woodwork, taking over prime-time games and infiltrating Sunday slates.
Week 16 will be no different. Sunday’s early afternoon action will see the Indianapolis Colts visit the Atlanta Falcons and two backup quarterbacks under center.
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) reacts after a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
For the Colts (8-6), Gardner Minshew has stepped in admirably for rookie Anthony Richardson. The injury muted the excitement about Indianapolis' season, but Minshew has thrown 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions on his way to a 6-4 record. He’s done enough to keep Indianapolis competitive, providing optimism to the foundation surrounding Richardson when he returns next year.
The Falcons (6-8), however, have a less satisfying story to tell under center. Starting quarterback Desmond Ridder struggled, then was benched for veteran Taylor Heinicke, who went 0-3 in the games he appeared in.
Ridder then returned, only to struggle further. It’s Heinicke’s job the rest of the way, as he hopes to engineer a miracle playoff run.
Heinicke spoke about Minshew ahead of their Christmas Eve contest.
“Yeah, I respect him, I respect him a lot," Heinicke said. "He's bounced around from team to team, when his number is called, he goes out there and performs well. Obviously, he's had some bad games, but he goes out there and battles and he has passion for the game.”
Both passers have earned a reputation for playing a backyard brand of football. Both are more than willing to scamper behind the line of scrimmage before making a reckless pass. The similarities can be found in their production, too.
Of the 48 quarterbacks with as many plays as Heinicke (90), Atlanta’s passer ranks 19th in expected points added per play, 29th in success rate, and 43rd in completion percentage over expected. Minshew ranks 23rd, 26th, and 34th, respectively. Both have been mediocre, but Colts head coach Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis surrounding cast are better built to withstand mediocre quarterback play.
Heincike and Minshew have endured fairly similar career paths, flashing at times before ultimately being cast aside in favor of a newer, oftentimes younger, passer. The two have combined to play for seven teams. Yet, their similar paths have led them to a fateful Week 16 matchup.
Heinicke elaborated on the playstyle they share, giving fans a primer for Sunday.
“I'm sure one of his favorite players growing up was watching Brett Favre too. I think we kind of approach the game the same way, we kind of attack the game the same way, and it's going to be exciting to play against him."
Atlanta is currently a 2.5-point favorite in a game that could very well end its season with a loss. Embrace the chaos on Sunday—this quarterback matchup promises a healthy amount.
