On 4th and goal from the one-yard line, Antonio Gibson scooted around left end for a touchdown, extending Washington’s 23-19 lead to 29-19.
Then what happened?
Well, I am not sure exactly.
Yes, we all saw the obvious that the offense came out on the field and took a knee, keeping the score 29-19.
However, did you notice that immediately following Gibson’s touchdown, Head coach Ron Rivera was spotted on camera, walking along the sideline with his right arm extended upward and his index finger raised?
Coach Rivera was without question signaling his WFT he had determined they were going to kick an extra point attempt.
Taylor Heinicke, Gibson and the offense are seen to have clearly exited the field to the sideline as well, indicating the WFT was going to go for the single point.
Meanwhile, Tampa defensive tackle Vita Vea was on his back injured and being tended to by Tampa medical personnel.
This delay provided enough time for an unnamed WFT analytics expert to contact Coach Rivera. We don’t know the specifics of the conversation, but the result was that Coach Rivera, told the offense to retake the field, and simply take a knee.
So funny. The linemen were as thrown off by the knee #WashingtonFootball took on the two-point conversion as we were. pic.twitter.com/8CfclYJlno
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) November 17, 2021
Had Washington attempted the PAT and Tampa blocked the kick, returning it for a score, the lead would have been reduced to eight points (29-21), leaving Tampa the slightest chance to score in a one-possession game, sending the game to overtime. Coach Rivera determined wisely to remove any chances whatsoever of losing the game.
On a larger scale (a MUCH larger scale) Coach Rivera displayed he is not an authoritarian leader, possessing a know-it-all style of leadership.
He had announced his public decision to the team to go for the one point. Yet, when offered counsel that directly opposed his very public decision, he considered the counsel, accepted the recommendation and altered his command to the team.
It is encouraging to see that Coach Rivera has learned an important lesson in leadership.
Leaders who don’t listen to others will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.