Heinicke was a huge favorite (at least in my mind) to be the top backup to Justin Herbert this coming season, but Lance used the preseason to put forth the best efforts we have seen in his young NFL career, while Heinicke seemingly melted under that pressure.

Taylor Heinicke is headed to the West Coast after losing the battle for the Atlanta Falcons’ backup quarterback job to Michael Penix Jr. Heinicke is being traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.