In a gutsy call that sparked plenty of postgame conversation, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn made a decisive choice in overtime: play for the win with a two-point conversion or settle for a tie with the extra point. Down 27-26 after scoring a touchdown in OT, Quinn didn’t blink-he went for two.
It didn’t go Washington’s way. Marcus Mariota’s pass attempt was swatted down by Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto, sealing the win for Denver.
But despite the result, Quinn stood firm in his decision. According to team sources, there was no hesitation.
He was going for the win from the moment the ball crossed the goal line.
Mariota echoed that confidence, saying the team knew the call before they even lined up. He read the Broncos’ blitz but couldn’t get the ball over Bonitto’s outstretched arms. Just like that, the game was over.
From a strategic standpoint, it’s easy to see why Quinn rolled the dice. Denver had already marched 76 yards in just five plays on their first overtime possession, chewing up only three minutes of clock.
That drive ended in a touchdown and put the Commanders in a tough spot-kick the extra point and hand the ball back to a red-hot Broncos offense led by Bo Nix, or try to end it right there. Quinn chose the latter, betting on one play instead of another Denver possession.
And let’s be real: with Washington sitting at 3-8 entering the game and Denver at 9-2, the Commanders didn’t have a whole lot to lose. Quinn’s decision wasn’t just about numbers-it was about momentum, belief, and taking control of the moment.
A two-point conversion ends the game then and there. No more guessing.
No more giving the ball back to a quarterback who had just carved up your defense.
Washington’s now 3-9, and the season’s been riddled with setbacks, including injuries to key players like Jayden Daniels. The rookie quarterback’s talent isn’t in question, but the team around him is a work in progress.
There are plenty of big-picture questions to address heading into 2026. But one thing won’t be up for debate: Quinn’s decision to go for two wasn’t reckless-it was calculated, aggressive, and, given the circumstances, completely justifiable.
Sometimes, coaching is about more than just playing the percentages. It’s about reading the moment and trusting your team to execute.
Quinn did that. The result didn’t go their way, but the mindset?
That’s the kind of edge Washington will need more of as they look to rebuild.