Don't play with Slay!@bigplay24slay | #PHIvsDEN pic.twitter.com/ZOJ4iYl7I8
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 14, 2021
Trailing by seven points late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Denver Broncos faced a 4th-and-1. Denver opted to go for it, handing the ball off to veteran running back Melvin Gordon.
Gordon ran into a pile and then fumbled the ball. Eagles cornerback Darius Slay recovered the fumble and then returned it 82 yards for a touchdown to give Philly a 14-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had an opportunity to at least slow Slay down, but he pulled back, a choice that fans and pundits deemed a “business decision” on social media.
Following a 30-13 loss, Bridgewater was asked about the play.
“As I see it, I see a guy trying to block, and I’m just thinking, hey, man, maybe I can force the ball back inside and one of our guys can make the tackle.”
Broncos coach Vic Fangio said in his post-game press conference that he did not have a clear view of the return. After watching the film, Fangio will likely be asked about Bridgewater’s effort again on Monday.
As the team enters its bye, that play — and Bridgewater’s decision — will be the hot topic in Denver this week.
