He was thinking that Don Cockroft, one of the most consistent kickers in football, might miss! He had missed a couple earlier in the game, probably due to the incredibly cold, hard ball.
And Sipe - Newsome was one of the best QB/TE combinations in football in that time period. Unfortunately, it didn't work that day.
Me, I'd have gone with the FG attempt.
All I remember is that the stadium got so quiet that you could almost hear a pin drop on the opposite side. Incredible experience.
I truly envy you for being present at one of the NFL’s great moments. I’m a Skins man (born in DC), but I LOVE Cleveland, Green Bay, Chicago... anybody who plays outdoors on grass in the North.