On Sunday afternoon, the New Orleans Saints almost pulled off an amazing, unlikely comeback against the Washington Commanders. Led by Spencer Rattler’s late-game heroics, New Orleans drove down the field in less than two minutes at the end of the game, getting a late touchdown to tight end Foster Moreau to make it 20-19.
Interim Saints head coach Darren Rizzi made the bold call to go for two and the win. That’s admirable. We love to see it. New Orleans had nothing to lose. Except the Saints called the worst possible play at any level of football — a half-field speed out at the goal line — to get it.
It should surprise no one that the Commanders defended the sequence well and preserved their win rather easily.
WOW…
The Saints scored a TD with ZERO seconds left to get within a point of Washington!
They go for two and the win and… pic.twitter.com/1cIJTJ1kvy
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 15, 2024
I don’t understand the logic of a professional offensive coordinator thinking this was a good plan in that situation.
Why divide and ignore half the field as an offense? Why jumble all your receivers in one place, making it easier for the defense to cover their routes? Why not spread everyone out, giving yourself as many options as possible for one of your playmakers to get open for the win?
It boggles the mind. This sequence describes the Saints’ miserable season to a tee.
