The Washington Commanders’ offense looked sluggish for much of the first three quarters in Sunday’s season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. After taking an early 3-0 lead, Philadelphia took control in the second quarter and never relinquished that control, holding off the Commanders for a hard-fought 24-22 victory.
The Eagles took a 17-9 lead early in the third quarter, and all appeared lost for Washington. Quarterback Jayden Daniels had other ideas and started to look more like the 2024 version of himself, including an impressive 14-yard scramble.
But it was Daniels’ arm that was most impressive. First, he led a 9-play, 67-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The touchdown cut Philly’s
lead to 17-15. Considering it was the fourth quarter and Washington had all the momentum, it seemed like a near certainty that the Commanders would go for the two-point conversion and tie.
However, after Diggs scored, he jumped onto the goalposts in celebration. Officials immediately flagged him, as the rule had been in place for over a decade. That meant a potential two-point play was no longer on the table, and the Commanders were forced to attempt a now 48-yard point-after attempt. It was good, making it a 17-16 game, but it was an opportunity lost for Washington.
After the game, Diggs took full responsibility for the mistake, saying he knew as soon as he jumped onto the goalposts that a penalty flag was coming. Daniels had his back, but Diggs wanted to make it clear it was his fault and no one else’s.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that he planned to go for two.
“Yeah, we were going to go for two,” Quinn said.
What did he say to Diggs about the penalty?
“I did have a conversation with him about that. He’s a real competitor. He knows better in that space, and he knows that. So we did talk about that in that spot. I love his fight. I love what he stands for, but as the competitor, he knows better in that spot.”
It’s safe to say we probably won’t see Diggs — or any other Commander — jumping on the goalposts—a lesson learned in Week 1.
Diggs’ mistake did not cost Washington the game. The Commanders had another chance later after Daniels tossed his second touchdown pass of the quarter, but failed on the two-point attempt.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Dan Quinn confirms Stefon Diggs' penalty changed Commanders' plans
