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Thank You, Stefon Diggs, For Your Touchdown Celebration Penalty
By Matt Schultz
Published:
Stefon Diggs had a good Commanders debut (4 receptions on 9 targets for 55 yards and 1 touchdown), but I think it’s safe to say Washington fans would feel a whole lot better if the veteran receiver omitted this truly dumbass touchdown celebration:
The touchdown made the score 17-15 Eagles. Washington was looking to go for a two-point conversion to tie the game, but Diggs got an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his hugging-the-goal-post celly, which pushed the Commanders back 15 yards. Dan Quinn had to kick a long extra point instead, making the score 17-16. This penalty was a massive turning point, and it very well could’ve cost Washington the game.
Of course, there’s no guarantee the Commanders would’ve converted on a two-point conversion if Diggs never got that penalty, or how much it would’ve affected the game even if they did (Jalen Hurts connected with Dallas Goedert on a 43-yard touchdown pass with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, which helped the Birds pull away for a 24-22 win). But who knows. It could’ve swung the whole thing. The last few minutes of the game could’ve gone completely differently.
Or, let’s say things shook out exactly the same, but the Commies got that two-point conversion to tie it at 17. Pretend Goedert scores his touchdown, then Antonio Williams scores for Washington with 1:01 left in the fourth quarter. At that point it’d be 24-23. What if the Commanders go for a two-point conversion there and get it? They would’ve been up 25-24 with a minute left in the game. If they survive that minute, they’re walking out of Philly with a W…
Without the penalty, Washington easily could’ve won this. They could’ve started the season 1-0 on the road against a division rival. This could’ve been the comeback win that defined their season, set the bar high, established a never-quit mentality that carried them to the highest of highs, and let the league know early that the Commanders are a team to fear…
But nope. Diggs did this instead:
He thought this was a cool and important thing to do, and it cost the Commanders a shot at a win.
Thank you, Stefon. Cool celebration. Eagles fans liked it very much.
Matt Schultz is a comedy and sports writer from Philadelphia. He’s written extensively for ClickHole, The Onion, and Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco. His work has been featured in Vulture, Deadspin, The A.V. Club, Paste Magazine, and other publications. Much of his sports journalism can be found on college basketball websites that don’t exist anymore (PhilaHoops Heads rise up…) email: M.Schultz@sportradar.com