3 Nathaniel Hackett mistakes that screwed Broncos on final drive
By John Buhler
2. Fourth-and-5, but why attempt a 64-yard field with 20 seconds left?
This is the most head-scratching moment of the entire game. While we all understand the implications of it being fourth-and-5 down one point on the road with 20 seconds left, maybe attempting a 64-yard field goal was not the right course of action for Hackett to make? If this game were in Denver with the thin air working in your favor, then by all means, please give it a try.
Unfortunately, it put McManus’ big leg in an impossible spot. Rather than attempt a 64-yard field goal from the Seattle 46-yard line, the Broncos were actually three times more likely to convert on the fourth-and-5 than for McManus to put it through the uprights. Again, the Broncos had two more timeouts to use. They were able to get between five to nine yards regularly in the final drive.
The water cool topic tomorrow: Nathaniel Hackett and the Broncos end game execution
— Prime Video Sports Analytics & Insights (@PVSportsStats) September 13, 2022
Nathaniel Hackett is not only a first year NFL HC but this is his first HC job at any level. It's his first time managing Time outs and 4th down.
Its not as easy as it looks! But this one was.. pic.twitter.com/OPNxsmpUAw
By simply converting, Denver would have had plenty of time left on the clock to attempt a much more reasonable 59-yard field goal, possibly one a good bit closer than that. Hackett kept two timeouts in his back pocket instead, completely wasting them with absolutely horrendous time management. Not even Andy Reid on his worst day could devise something so unbelievably awful.
Most people get to learn these lessons on smaller stages, but Hackett got Monday Night Football.