Four Down Territory: Wyoming’s Finest

Second Down

Doug Pederson doesn’t trust his team. There’s no way around it.

At the end of OT the Eagles had lined up for the chance to win the game with a 59 yard field goal. A false start turned that into a 64 yard field goal attempt.

At this point in the game the Eagles had three options:

1. Attempt the 64 yard field goal.
2. Bring the offense back out and go for it on 4^th and 12.
3. Punt the ball and play for a tie.

Before going over what the Eagles decided to do let’s discuss the plays that lead to this situation.

• 1^st & 10 at the CIN 44: Miles Sanders run up the middle for one yard
• 2^nd & 9 at the CIN 43: Wentz scrambles for two yards.
• 3^rd & 7 at the CIN 41: Incomplete to Greg Ward (a slant that was thrown behind him).
• 4^th & 7 at the CIN 41: False start, five yard penalty.

Had the Eagles done the first two options and failed then there would be a different conversation but they picked option three.

 Like a bunch of cowards.

Doug punting on 4^th & 12 is the loudest message he’s sent since calling Philly Philly in the Super Bowl.

“I don’t think you’re good enough.”

He didn’t trust Carson enough to make a play to at least try to get the first down on 4^th & 12.

He didn’t trust Jake Elliot to attempt the 64 yard field goal.

He didn’t trust his defense to make a stop if Carson didn’t get the first down or if Jake missed the field goal.

During his Monday radio apperance Doug admitted that he made the wrong decision:

Doug Pederson admitted on @SportsRadioWIP this morning that looking back, he would've chosen to go for it on 4th-12 with a shot down the field rather than punt. @KYWNewsradio

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) September 28, 2020

I mean…it’s cool that he didn’t double down and admitted that he made the wrong decision but the damage has been done.

This Eagles team is broken and it’s Doug’s job to fix it.

Are injuries playing a role? Absolutely but the 49ers are missing a third of their roster and are still finding ways to win.

The Eagles have a 7% chance of making the playoffs and the hardest remaining schedule in the league. If the Eagles are going to have a fighting chance then Carson needs to reach in his closet and grab his MVP skin.

Talking about changing skins always reminds me of this classic.

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