During his weekly press appearance on Thursday, Sean Mannion did not shy away from responsibility for one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ costliest decisions in their 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears. With Philadelphia facing third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Andy Dalton entered the game while Jalen Hurts was being evaluated for a concussion. After two Saquon Barkley rushing attempts, Mannion called a pass for a veteran quarterback taking his first regular-season snap of the year.
Dalton’s only throw was intercepted by rookie safety Dillon Thieneman in the end zone, eliminating an opportunity for Philadelphia to tie the game.
“Obviously, with the outcome, it’s one certainly I wish I could have back if I could do it over again,” Mannion said.
The offensive
coordinator explained that the Eagles had practiced the play throughout the week and that Dalton had accumulated additional repetitions with the concept during the offseason and training camp. Mannion trusted the preparation, but the result reinforced the risk of asking a cold backup quarterback to throw in a condensed part of the field.
Dalton also should have understood that protecting the football was the priority. An incompletion would have preserved an opportunity to attempt a field goal, while the interception left the Eagles without points after advancing inside Chicago’s 5-yard line.
The moment further clouded Philadelphia’s ongoing evaluation of Dalton and Tanner McKee behind Hurts. Mannion said both quarterbacks get valuable work running the scout team against Vic Fangio’s defense, even if those reps aren't visible to outsiders.
It does, however, place the play-calling process under greater scrutiny. Preparation supported Mannion’s decision, but the game situation demanded a call with minimal turnover risk.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Sean Mannion regrets play call on Andy Dalton's costly interception
