Former Washington coach Jay Gruden said on Monday he “probably would have gone for the two-point conversion” against the Eagles Sunday.
Gruden was making his weekly appearance on the “Chris Russell Show,” broadcast on The Team 980, Monday through Friday, 1-4 p.m.
“I probably would have on the road. I think you need 2 and a half yards to get the victory. You put it in your players’ hands and let them do it.”
Gruden quickly countered that, on the other hand, you also put the game in the players’ hands when you determine to kick the extra point and go to overtime. Then Gruden went full circle, stating that coach Ron Rivera had said his guys were gassed, so Gruden felt that might be all the more reason not to have them have to play overtime against the Eagles but try to win the game with the one play.
All of that being said, the former Redskins head coach was not being critical of current Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. Gruden clarified there is not a simple correct or wrong answer about it. It is how the coach “feels” about that particular game at that particular time.
“It is a gut feeling. It is something you want to put your team in the best position to win the football game…It’s such a tough call for people to make. Nobody can really understand how hard it is in the heat of the moment to make a call like that.”
Gruden then pointed out the extra point is not automatic either, seeing the long snapper Camaron Cheeseman has had his own difficulties with his snaps back to Tress Way on kicking attempts. He also reminded listeners that the extra point is now the equivalent of a 32-yard field goal, whereas, for decades, it was a 20-yard kick.
“I am not going to stand on the table here and say Ron is an idiot for not going for two,” expressed Gruden.
Where Gruden did feel free to question was the final Eagles pass completion on a 3rd & 17 at the Washington 45. Gruden questioned why defensive backs were playing so far off, allowing a 9-yard completion, which allowed the Eagles to attempt the game-winning 54-yard field goal.
