I wonder how much reverse was used.
Idle reverse to 'save fuel' is a common practice now. So common that many Pilots will not use max reverse even when needed.
The thrust reversers would not have saved the day.
Thrust reverses on the 737 serve two functions... makes a lot of noise and alerts the captain to wake up so he/she can man the tiller to steer the jet on the ground, and two puts money into the coffers of the oil company through increased fuel consumption.