Josh McDaniels Makes Bizarre, Costly Decision on Late Field Goal in Raiders’ Loss
The Raiders fell to 1–2 after a defeat Sunday night against the Steelers, and fans were skeptical of one critical decision from head coach Josh McDaniels.
Trailing 23–15 with just over three minutes remaining, Las Vegas opted to kick a field goal on fourth-and-five at the 29-yard line. However, Pittsburgh committed a penalty on the attempt that extended the drive.
After receiving a fresh set of downs, the Raiders worked the ball down to the 8-yard line when McDaniels stunningly went back to kicker Daniel Carlson on fourth down with just 2:22 left on the clock, a decision that backfired. Carlson converted to make it a 23–18 game, but by the time Las Vegas got the ball back, there was just 12 seconds left on the clock.
After the game, McDaniels explained his decision to take the three points instead of risk it for the touchdown and two-point conversion, saying, “we needed multiple possessions.”
The NFL world was left scratching its head after McDaniels’ questionable decision during the loss in Week 3, and fans had plenty to say on X.
