The One Play That Crushed Washington’s Opener, And Tom Brady Is Laying Out What Went Wrong

The Eagles barely snuck past their division rival Commanders, snagging a 24-22 win to open the season, and it all came down to a stunningly failed two-point conversion attempt by Washington right at the end. With just over a minute remaining, Jayden Daniels connected with Antonio Williams for a touchdown, pulling the Commanders within two points and needing that crucial conversion to tie the game. But it came up empty, sealing the victory for Philadelphia.

Tom Brady, the GOAT himself, did not mince words when asked about Washington’s late-game decision. He openly questioned the play call that ultimately cost the Commanders the game. “If it was a shovel pass to you, [Gronk], I would like it a lot more than to Bates,” Brady said on “The OT,” clearly thinking about better options. He pointed out that Washington has “other go-to guys” on the team, and you can’t have the whole game hinge on one player on one play if you have other talent. Brady stressed that having the ball in Jayden Daniels’ hands with “multiple options” is always something he loves, and he believes this is a massive lesson for players like David Blough to learn from in the future.

And get this, that botched two-point attempt wasn’t even the only conversion controversy for Washington that day! Earlier in the game, Stefon Diggs pulled a celebration that drew a 15-yard penalty. That flag forced the Commanders to kick a standard extra point instead of going for two, a sequence that loomed large as the game slipped away in those final minutes. Daniels took full accountability for that penalty after the game, admitting they likely would have gone for two had it not happened. He said, “That’s on me for not reiterating that in the huddle, we just got to be smart. There’s a time and place for everything and celebrations.” Daniels added that they had a “potential to score on the play while we’re in the huddle and just reiterating when we score, we’re going for two.”

So, the Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts who threw for two touchdowns to Dallas Goedert and another to Dontayvion Wicks in his Philly debut, walk away 1-0. They put up just enough offense to withstand Washington’s late push. For the Commanders, this opener is a brutal lesson in discipline and game management. They’ll be looking back at those two missed opportunities for two points all week.

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Originally reported by Fox Sports.