Peyton Manning defends Ron Rivera's decision to not go for 2-point conversion.

NFL Week 4: Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles game goes into overtime, Washington head coach Ron Rivera criticized for decision. Peyton Manning defends Rivera's choice.

In Sunday's Week 4 NFL matchups, one game that generated a lot of buzz was the clash between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. It was undoubtedly the highlight of the week, as the underdog Washington Commanders took the defending NFC champions to overtime before ultimately losing by a field goal.

However, the game could have had a different outcome if Washington's head coach, Ron Rivera, had opted for a two-point conversion at the end of regulation. Instead, Rivera believed that his team was exhausted and decided to send in kicker Joey Slye to tie the game and force overtime.

The decision to go for the tie or the win was a subjective one, with no clear right or wrong answer. It ultimately came down to Rivera's instinct and understanding of his team. While many would argue in favor of going for the two-point conversion, considering the opportunity to secure victory with just two yards, Rivera, as the head coach, had a deeper understanding of his team's condition than armchair analysts on social media.

Rivera faced criticism for his choice, but one person who defended him was Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. Manning shared his perspective on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday, highlighting Rivera's reputation as an aggressive coach throughout his career. Manning believed that Rivera's decision was influenced by his assessment of the team's fatigue and their potential inability to execute the two-point conversion play effectively.

Manning also acknowledged that it's easy to criticize decisions in hindsight, stating that it's common for people to say, "They should've gone for two" after the game. He further noted that Sam Howell, in just his fifth career start, may not have been in a position to override the experienced coach's decision and opt for the two-point conversion. Manning suggested that quarterbacks like himself, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers might have been more inclined to take that risk.

When asked about his opinion on Sam Howell, the rising star quarterback, Manning expressed his admiration, stating that he is a fan of Howell and appreciates his style of play.

In summary, the game between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles was a thrilling matchup that captivated fans and sparked discussions. Ron Rivera's decision to go for the tie instead of the two-point conversion drew both praise and criticism. Peyton Manning, a respected figure in the football world, defended Rivera's choice, emphasizing the coach's understanding of his team's condition. Manning also commended Sam Howell's performance, expressing his support for the young quarterback.