In a crucial moment during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves trailing by eight points with just 2:25 left on the clock. With fourth-and-4 at the Steelers’ 8-yard line, Raiders coach Josh McDaniels faced a critical decision. Should he opt for a field goal to close the gap or take a risk and go for the touchdown? This article aims to analyze McDaniels’ choice and evaluate its potential impact on the outcome of the game.
McDaniels considered two main options in this situation – kicking a field goal or going for it on fourth down. Opting for the field goal would have reduced the deficit to a mere five points, giving the Raiders a chance to secure a victory with a touchdown in their next possession. However, going for it on fourth down carried a greater risk but also a higher potential reward. According to ESPN analytics, the Raiders’ win probability stood at 15.8% if they had chosen to go for it, compared to 10.2% with the field goal attempt.
McDaniels’ decision to kick the field goal centered around his belief in the Raiders’ defense. With three timeouts remaining, plus the 2-minute warning, he had faith that his defense could make a crucial stop and regain possession with enough time for a potential game-winning drive. Unfortunately for the Raiders, their defense failed to deliver as the Steelers gained a first down and ran out the clock, leaving the Raiders with little time and limited chances to mount a comeback.
Critics might argue that McDaniels’ choice to kick the field goal displayed a lack of confidence in the offense’s ability to convert on fourth down. However, McDaniels dismissed this notion, emphasizing that another possession would be necessary regardless of the decision. By choosing the field goal, he believed that the defense would provide an opportunity for the offense to take the lead with a potential touchdown drive. McDaniels defended his decision, stating that it was not a lack of confidence but a strategic consideration.
The players had mixed reactions to the fourth-down decision. Running back Josh Jacobs supported McDaniels’ choice, highlighting the improved performance of the defense towards the end of the game. He believed that the team could have regained possession and scored with the time left on the clock. On the other hand, receiver Davante Adams did not express a clear opinion, stating that he did not wish to be seen as second-guessing the coach’s decision.
Another factor that influenced the decision-making process was the potential injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo was not made available to the media after the game due to a concussion evaluation. Although it remains unclear when he sustained the injury, Garoppolo played the entire game, enduring multiple hard hits and being sacked four times. This injury could have significantly affected the Raiders’ offensive capabilities, potentially influencing McDaniels’ choice to kick the field goal.
Ultimately, the game ended in a disappointing loss for the Las Vegas Raiders. The decision to kick the field goal on fourth down did not yield the desired results, leaving the team with limited time and opportunities to mount a comeback. While McDaniels believed in the defense’s ability to secure another possession, they were unable to stop the Steelers from sealing their victory. The interception thrown by Garoppolo on the final play effectively ended any hopes of a last-minute comeback.
In retrospect, the fourth-down decision made by Josh McDaniels will face scrutiny and analysis. It serves as a valuable reminder that the outcome of a game can often hinge on a single strategic choice. Coaches must carefully evaluate the circumstances, consider analytics, and trust their team’s abilities when making such crucial decisions. Ultimately, the success or failure of a play call can have a lasting impact on a team’s season and reputation.
Leave a Reply