Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner pushed back Monday on criticism surrounding the Washington Commanders' failed two-point conversion in their 24-22 Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders needed the conversion to tie Sunday's NFC East opener after Jayden Daniels connected with Antonio Williams for a late touchdown. Warner took to X, formerly Twitter, and called out ESPN's Get Up while explaining why Daniels followed the play's read and delivered a shovel pass.

“Hey @GetUpESPN the reason you don’t throw it on @Commanders last play is because the QB is reading the DE! If he steps down it’s a pass or QB run, since he widens, the read says shovel pass & if blocked correctly it’s a conversion!”

Daniels' 1-yard touchdown pass to Williams pulled Washington within two points with 1:01 remaining at Lincoln Financial Field. Offensive coordinator David Blough then called a shovel pass to tight end John Bates, but Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo beat the interior block and stopped Bates at the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.

The failed conversion immediately drew scrutiny, but Commanders coach Dan Quinn defended the decision afterward. Quinn said Blough asked him about the play before the snap, and he approved it. Daniels also backed the call, saying Washington received the defensive look it wanted but failed to execute.

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Warner's breakdown added a quarterback's perspective to the debate. He explained that Daniels' decision depended on the defensive end's movement. The end widened, directing the Commanders' signal-caller to the shovel option rather than a pass or quarterback run.

The Commanders' margin for error had already tightened earlier in the fourth quarter. After Stefon Diggs' touchdown with 9:59 left, Washington planned to go for two. Diggs was flagged 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct after hugging the goalpost, which forced an extra point instead and made the score 17-16.

The loss dropped the Commanders to 0-1, while the Eagles improved to 1-0. Warner's explanation backed Quinn and Daniels' view that execution, not the design of the play, determined the outcome.