The Minnesota Vikings defense will have an opportunity to give Taylor Heinicke some real life “deer in the headlights” feelings now that Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith named Heinicke the starting quarterback for Sunday’s Vikings-Falcons game in Atlanta.
Heinicke has gone viral thanks to his Halloween costume that featured him dressed as a deer while his date dressed as “headlights,” with the lights prudently placed on her chest.
Heinicke will now face a Vikings defense that has allowed just 13.25 points per game in four victories compared to 27.25 points allowed in four losses. One of the big differences in Minnesota’s wins compared to losses are turnovers, as the Vikings were melting down with a barrage of fumbles and interceptions against the Bucs, Eagles, Chargers and Chiefs that put the defense in precarious situations, whereas they did a pretty good job holding onto the ball in wins over the Panthers, Bears, 49ers and Packers.
If Heinicke and the Falcons aren’t gifted great field position against a tired defense and the Vikings can play with a lead, it’ll force Heinicke to shine for an offense that has the third-worst passing grade in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
Heinicke is replacing Desmond Ridder at quarterback. He actually took over for Ridder last Sunday during Atlanta’s loss to Tennessee and he completed 12-of-21 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown.
The 30-year-old journeyman quarterback played in 26 games with Washington the past three seasons and went 12-11-1 as a starter while completing 64% of his passes for 5,415 yards with 33 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Heinicke was one of the few quarterbacks who didn’t put up monstrous numbers against Minnesota’s woeful 2022 defense. In his start against Minnesota on Nov. 6, 2022, he was 15-of-28 for 149 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Sunday’s game in Atlanta starts at noon CT.
