Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

Where was the ball exactly? Around the 15 yard line?

In that scenario the TD was the best option.

If they were at the 35, then kicking the FG on 3rd down makes sense.

Losing by 3 or 7 or 10 doesn't matter if you still lose. What matters is improving your odds to tie. If you are already in striking distance of the endzone, you go for the TD. If you are far enough out that your odds after an onside kick are about the same (I'd put that limit at about the 25 yd line) then kick the FG.

Time was a huge factor too. If there was 45 seconds left, maybe kick the FG. But with 16s left? No way you are going to be in a better position with that little time left. They almost had to go for the TD because the little bit of time meant all they'd be able to do if they recovered the onside was get in FG range.