One of the most talked-about topics from Week 4 was the game between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. It was the game of the week, with the underdog taking to the defending NFC champions to overtime before losing by a field goal.
Of course, the game would have ended before overtime if Washington head coach Ron Rivera had chosen to go for the two-point conversion at the end of regulation. Instead, Rivera felt his team was “gassed” and chose to send in kicker Joey Slye to tie the game and send it into overtime.
There was no right or wrong decision here. It was Rivera’s gut feeling. Sure, many would have gone for the two-point conversion. After all, wouldn’t you take your chances getting two yards instead of needing to drive the field against the Philadelphia defense again? However, as the head coach, Rivera knows his team better than the Monday morning quarterbacks on social media.
Rivera received plenty of criticism for his decision.
One person not criticizing him was Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.
Manning explained his reasoning on Monday’s edition of “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“Well, look, Ron Rivera has proven his track record of being an aggressive guy throughout his whole career,” Manning said, referencing Rivera’s nickname of “Riverboat Ron.” So when he says that, I think you got to believe he felt the pulse of the team that they were gassed and might not be able to execute that play.”
And as Manning said, it’s easy to say in hindsight that Washington should’ve gone for two. He also pointed out that Howell, in his fifth career start, is probably not at a point where he felt comfortable waving off the veteran coach and going for two, something Manning, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers would have done.
“Ron Rivera knows how his team is feeling and it’s easy after the fact to say they should have gone for two..
Sam Howell probably isn’t quite ready to tell the Head Coach to take the extra point team and stick it I’m going for two”
Peyton Manning #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/lIkLtcMONG
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 2, 2023
What does the legendary former NFL star think about Howell?
“I’m a Sam Howell fan,” Manning said. “I like the way he’s playing.”