Kellen Moore Defends Decision to Go for Two in Saints Loss to Lions

Kellen Moore Stands By Overtime Two-Point Decision

There was 1:34 left. That’s a really talented offense. We had a chance to go win the football game, Moore said after the game, according to Nbcsports. I really viewed it as we’re going for two there to win the game, if we have a chance.

On the decisive two-point attempt, Shough’s pass fell incomplete out of the back of the end zone, leaving the Saints with a season-opening loss. Moore noted that the team’s earlier decision to kick off at the start of overtime—allowing the Saints to possess the ball second and know what was required—also factored into his choice to go for two.

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The Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Comeback

The overtime drama followed a roaring comeback by New Orleans, which had fallen behind 21-0 before fighting back. The Saints eventually tied the game 24-24 on Shough’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Juwan Johnson with 1:07 left in regulation. Trailing late in the game, the Saints had converted a high-stakes fourth-and-12 from their own 23-yard line when Shough completed a 15-yard pass to rookie receiver Bryce Lance.

Detroit had a chance to seal the win late in regulation after advancing to the New Orleans 1-yard line, but a holding penalty pushed the Lions back, forcing them to settle for a field goal and a 24-17 lead with 2:32 remaining. Detroit quarterback Jared Goff finished the game completing 26 of 39 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns without turning the ball over. Meanwhile, Shough rebounded from two interceptions and a lost fumble to finish 35 of 56 for 410 yards and three scores.

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Coach Dan Campbell Reacts to the Aggressive Call

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, a former Saints assistant known for his aggressive coaching style, stated that he never doubted Moore would go for the win. For sure, Campbell said after the contest, according to nola.com. I just know if I’m him, I’m doing that. You’re going for 2. You’ve battled and slugged it out for that long, over 60 minutes. It’s time. (If) you get that (conversion) and now that brings a little life to your group there.

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Campbell’s Lions ultimately escaped with the victory despite blowing a three-touchdown lead in the third quarter and surviving a video review that overturned a potential Saints defensive touchdown when Goff’s arm was judged to be moving forward on a fumble attempt. With the defeat, the Saints dropped to 0-1 and look ahead to a matchup against Baltimore on September 20, while the Lions prepare to play Buffalo on September 17.