Philadelphia Eagles: Why Doug Pederson Shouldn’t Have Gone For Two
Down by one with four seconds left, Doug Pederson elected to attempt a game-winning two-point conversion. Not only did it fail–it was the wrong decision.
Rookie QB Carson Wentz was that close to his first game-winning/game-tying fourth quarter drive. One, once-routine extra point away.
Wentz had taken possession of the ball at his own 41, having just orchestrated a red zone drive after MLB Jordan Hicks‘ game-saving pick of Ravens QB Joe Flacco. That first drive ended in a field goal, as many Eagles’ drives did that afternoon. It had shaved the deficit to seven.
The up-and-down defense had stymied a Baltimore rushing attack that had performed well, amassing 152 yards on the ground. A stifling 3-and-out to give the offense a chance–exactly what the doctor ordered. Jim Schwartz doled out high-fives on the sideline like they were smarmy answers during his Tuesday press conference.
Wentz moved his team up the field with aplomb, converting an early, crucial 3rd down to WR Jordan Matthews across the middle. He entrusted WR Nelson Agholor with three targets on the ultimate drive–none were corralled.
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Showing veteran-level poise, time-management, and pocket presence throughout the final 1:39, Wentz eventually found TE Zach Ertz for the explosive play that always seems to elude this offense. Credit the young tight end for a fantastic toe-tap grab on the sideline.
With the ball on the four, Wentz stood in the pocket and went through his progressions, left to right. Tight coverage, tight coverage, tight coverage. Ravens defensive lineman Brandon Williams flashed with inside pressure–Wentz spun out of the pocket and tucked the ball. He was going to run.
Free safety Eric Weddle keyed him immediately–a strong Pro Bowl candidate after a revival year in Baltimore. The 10-year veteran squared up the 13 game rookie. Wentz head-faked outside and lunged inside. He was decisive, athletic, and undeniable. The struggling, but never-give-up rookie final figured out the solution to his lack of weapons: he just did it himself.
As he got up and roared, a spectator couldn’t help but imagine what was going through his head. “Finally, I didn’t fail my team late. I can bring a victory home. I’ve got this.”
And then Doug Pederson went for two.
There are plenty of analysts who agree with the decision. The Eagles had nothing to lose–they were eliminated from playoff contention–so why not go for the win? Your offense had just marched down the field for 10 unanswered points, and momentum was on their side on the road.
Those might sound valid–but really, they’re naught but quick-glance assumptions. A comprehensive look at the state of the Eagles, the flow of the game, and the confidence of Carson Wentz all dictated one easy decision: take the game into overtime.
And we have the reasons why: