Eagles fourth down decision, explained: Why Nick Sirianni didn’t consider punting on final drive of game

The Philadelphia Eagles came away with the narrow 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 10 of the NFL season, but it wasn't without some head-scratching moments. 

Late in the game, the Eagles were trying to drain the clock by running the ball. The Packers got a third-down stop and were set to get the ball back. Philadelphia was on Green Bay's 35-yard line, and many assumed that the Eagles would punt the ball to pin the Packers back in their own territory. 

Instead, Philadelphia hiked the ball on fourth down and quarterback Jalen Hurts threw a pass to the end zone. 

It fell incomplete, but the turnover at that spot made it so the Packers only needed to get about 30 yards to get into field goal range. Green Bay did just that, but it ended Brandon McManus ended up missing the last-second field goal. The head-scratching call nearly allowed Green Bay to force the game into overtime. 

Here is more on what head coach Nick Sirianni had to say about his decision on that late fourth-down call against the Packers. 

MORE NFL WEEK 10:

• How Josh Allen is proving he's not Bills MVP in 2025
• What AFC East standings look like after Pats win, Bills stunning loss to Dolphins
• Jonathan Taylor makes history in dominant showing vs. Falcons in Germany
• Jaxson Dart injury helps open door for Bears comeback win
• Texans outscore Jaguars 26-0 in 4th quarter to pull off stunner
• Josh Allen's uncharacteristic turnovers doom Bills vs. Dolphins

Eagles fourth down decision, explained

Sirianni was asked about the decision in his post-game press conference. The media member asked a combination question, which inquired about Sirianni's play-calling decisions at the end of both the first half and the game. Sirianni answered with the end-of-game decision first. 

He said that they had considered attempting a field goal, but would've liked to be closer for that. Sirianni explained that the Eagles were up only three points, so even though a made field goal would put the Packers in a position where they would have to score six to win, he said that with the way the wind was blowing, it would have had to be a really low kick to cut through the wind and get through the uprights. 

Sirianni said he was only focused on either running a play or attempting a field goal. While it could have been a conversation on the field in the moment, he didn't mention in the press conference answer that they even considered punting to try and pin the Packers deep in their own territory. 

He mentioned that the Eagles went for it late against Cleveland in 2024 in a very similar situation, and it worked. He said that they had a "similar-ish" situation against Minnesota, and it also worked out.

Sirianni doesn't think the Eagles made the wrong decision, even though it gave the ball back to the Packers in good field position. "I stand put on that decision, especially being up three. He would've ended the game if we had gotten that ... I don't regret that at all."