When the Saints scored a touchdown against the Lions with 1:34 remaining in overtime on Sunday, they could have kicked the extra point to tie the game, then hoped that either their defense could get the ball back so they could win, or at least hold the Lionsâ offense to preserve a tie. Instead, Saints head coach Kellen Moore decided to go for two, and end the game right there, one way or the other.
The way it ended was the Saints lost: Tyler ShoughâÂÂs two-point conversion pass was incomplete out the back of the end zone, and the Saints walked off the field 0-1. After the game, Moore said he thinks he made the right call.
âÂÂThere was 1:34 left. ThatâÂÂs a really talented offense. We had a chance to go win the football game,â Moore said. âÂÂI really viewed it as weâÂÂre going for two there to win the game, if we have a chance.âÂÂ
The Saints also decided to kick off at the start of overtime, thinking theyâÂÂd rather get the ball second and know what they have to do. Deciding to kick at the start of overtime played into the decision to go for two at the end of overtime: Because the Saints had the second possession, Moore knew what his team had to do, and what his team had to do was score a two-point conversion. It didnâÂÂt work, but Moore still thinks it was the right call.