The Washington Commanders experienced both triumph and setback during their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, where they lost 24-22.

Stefon Diggs, signed in the offseason, scored his first touchdown for the team late in the fourth quarter. The score brought the Commanders within two points with 9:59 remaining. However, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty followed his celebration, which involved jumping and wrapping himself around the goalpost.

The penalty moved the two-point conversion attempt back, forcing the Commanders to settle for an extra point. Head coach Dan Quinn stated he would have opted for a two-point conversion if not for the penalty.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels acknowledged the impact of the penalty. “You just gotta be smarter,” Daniels said, according to Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper. “We gotta know situations, situational football. That’s on me for not reiterating that in the huddle. We just gotta be smart. There’s a time and place for everything.”

Diggs accepted responsibility after the game. Washington had another opportunity to tie the game in the fourth quarter but failed in their two-point attempt. While the penalty was not the only reason for the loss, it played a significant role in the final outcome.