In a recent setback for the Washington Commanders, kicker Austin Seibert finds himself on injured reserve, following a challenging outing against the Dallas Cowboys. Seibert's struggles were on full display during Sunday’s 34-26 defeat, as he missed two crucial extra points – a performance he surely wishes to forget.
Before stepping onto the field against the Cowboys, Seibert had been a model of consistency, successfully converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts. However, that reliability faltered at an inopportune time for Washington. His first miss came after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. Later, a second unsuccessful kick followed an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to receiver Terry McLaurin, leaving the Commanders trailing 27-26.
These missed opportunities proved costly, not only destabilizing the Commanders’ momentum but also leaving just enough room for Dallas to break through. The Cowboys, defying 10.5-point odds against them, clinched the win under remarkable circumstances, becoming the first team in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. Their victory was bolstered by standout performances, including contributions from receiver CeeDee Lamb, who expressed a backhanded acknowledgment of Seibert's errors: "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
Austin Seibert’s right hip has been a concern leading up to the game, but the kicker insisted it was not a factor influencing his performance. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," Seibert remarked, downplaying any implication of injury excuses. He also took ownership of the missed kicks, stating, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me." This level of personal accountability highlights Seibert’s commitment to his team, despite the day's disappointments.
Reflecting on his performance, Seibert shared a candid moment: "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that. Just wasn't striking well, but it means a lot to me to be here with these guys, so I just want to put my best foot... moving forward." His words speak to the frustration and determination of a player eager to regain his form and loyalty to his team.
For the Commanders, the immediate task now is to find a suitable replacement for Seibert, as they look to stabilize a critical component of their special teams. The team is keen to put this setback behind them as they endeavor to recapture their competitive edge and push forward in the season.
With the departure of Seibert to injured reserve, Washington faces a pivotal moment, needing not only a replacement kicker but a morale boost after a narrow yet significant loss. As they explore their options, the Commanders will hope to reinstate cohesion and reliability within their ranks, essential components for any team with playoff aspirations.
The loss to Dallas serves as a stark reminder of the margins within which success and failure coexist in the NFL. For Washington, this game will likely serve as both a learning experience and a motivation to adjust course promptly. Seibert’s predicament underscores the physical and mental challenges players often contend with, striving to perform their best amid adversity.
As the Commanders regroup, one thing remains clear: a resilient response will be needed to navigate the challenges ahead, both on the field and in their locker room. With several crucial games looming on their schedule, the pressure will be on to ensure their kicking game, among other facets, is up to the task.