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In Sunday’s game against the Eagles, Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera made a decision that raised some eyebrows. After scoring a touchdown with no time left on the clock, Rivera chose to go for the tie instead of attempting a two-point conversion. While Washington did receive the ball first in overtime, they ultimately couldn’t secure the win. Rivera later offered an explanation for his choice.
Rivera’s reasoning was based on the perceived fatigue of his players. “Yeah, but you know what. Those guys, they were gassed, they really were. It was a long-ass drive. They hurried, they were hustling,” Rivera explained after the game. He decided to trust his team’s ability to go for the win in overtime when they would presumably be more well-rested. The Commanders were also out of timeouts, leaving little opportunity for a break unless they gambled on the Eagles wanting to call a timeout. Despite this explanation, many analysts still questioned Rivera’s decision.
However, it’s worth noting that playing an additional ten minutes of football can also wear out players. Some critics argued that the Commanders, being elite athletes, should have been able to muster the energy for one play that might secure the victory. The decision remains a subject of debate, with the outcome potentially influencing the perspective. Had the Commanders won, Rivera’s decision might not have been a topic of discussion.
As of now, the Washington Commanders, under Ron Rivera’s leadership, hold a 2-2 record for the year. It’s worth highlighting the positive aspect of Sam Howell leading a game-winning drive. Despite the questionable decision, there were several encouraging developments from Sunday’s game, and there is hope that the team can build on these moving forward.