'Pathetic': NFL quarterback slammed for 'bad look' decision
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has come in for heavy criticism after making a ‘business decision’ on a game-changing play in the Broncos’ 30-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Denver on the attack trailing 20-13 late in the third quarter, Bridgewater handed the ball off to running back Melvin Gordon on fourth and short, only for Gordon to fumble.
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Eagles cornerback Darius Slay picked up the loose ball, zig-zagged cross field, before straightening up and making a beeline for the Broncos’ end zone.
Bridgewater was one of the few Broncos who had an opportunity to stop Slay, but the 29-year-old opted to not even attempt a tackle, instead allowing Slay to return the fumble 82 yards for an Eagles touchdown.
DARIUS SLAY MADE A HOUSE CALL. 82 YARDS. #FlyEaglesFly
📺: #PHIvsDEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/1Ij278UtfV— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2021
Slay’s score saw the Eagles extend their lead to 27-13 and the Broncos didn’t score another point for the remainder of the contest.
Had Bridgewater attempted a tackle and managed to stop the fumble return, the Broncos would have at least had a chance to keep the margin to one scoring play.
Bridgewater’s lacklustre effort caused a major stir on social media, with it being labelled ‘egregious’ and ‘pathetic’ by fans, media and former NFL players.
Teddy Bridgewater just made the most egregious business decision I think I’ve ever seen on a football field.
Y’all giving him a pass since he’s a Quarterback? pic.twitter.com/ceWSwfWLZU— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) November 14, 2021
Teddy B and the B is for Business decision pic.twitter.com/C9jzTiK8Hu
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 14, 2021
“Business decision” from Teddy Bridgewater on that Slay return. And by “business decision I mean “pathetic effort”
— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) November 14, 2021
Teddy Bridgewater showing ZERO effort to try to stop Darius Slay
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) November 14, 2021
Teddy Bridgewater not even attempting a tackle in a tight game where this fumble return TD effectively ended the game is a BAD look. Yikes. pic.twitter.com/mWrYsXALB4
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 15, 2021
Teddy Bridgewater defends tackle decision
Speaking after the game, Bridgewater defended his decision not to try and bring Slay down.
"As I see it, I see a guy trying to put a block and then I'm thinking maybe I could force the ball back inside and one of our guys will make the tackle," Bridgewater said.
Bridgewater said that he was thinking maybe he could force Slay back inside, setting it up for someone else make the tackle. pic.twitter.com/jHxk5TDBYB
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 15, 2021
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio acknowledged the play was a ‘huge’ moment in the game, but stopped short of laying blame on Bridgewater.
“We self-destructed with the fumble returned for a touchdown,” Fangio said.
“Obviously it was a big play. We’re down there and even if we get stopped you hope for a field goal.
“All of a sudden it was a 14-point game, so it was huge.
“I know Teddy. If he thought he had a chance to at least throw at the guy, he would have.”
Bridgewater completed 22 of 36 passes for 226 yards as the loss saw the Broncos fall to last place in the AFC West with a 5-5 record.
“Teddy was like the rest of us, inconsistent,” Fangio said.
“But I think overall he played good enough, but we just needed to make some more plays.”
The Eagles, featuring Australians Jordan Mailata and Arryn Siposs, moved into second place in the NFC East with a 4-6 record.
Mailata was once again a standout on the Eagles’ offensive line, while Siposs had three punts for a 51.3 yard average.
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