In a somber turn of events for the Washington Commanders, kicker Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve following what can only be described as a tumultuous game against the Dallas Cowboys. This development arises just days after Seibert experienced significant struggles in a 34-26 loss to the Cowboys, during which he missed two pivotal extra points, marking an abrupt departure from his previously flawless record this season.
Seibert's performance on Sunday was at stark contrast to his prior achievements. The kicker, who had successfully converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts before Sunday's game, found himself faltering when the Commanders needed his consistency the most. Missteps occurred at critical junctures of the game, adding to the mounting pressure that the Commanders faced.
Challenges on the Field
The first of Seibert's crucial missed chances came after Jayden Daniels completed a 17-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. His second miss occurred following an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leaving Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26. Despite the narrow gap, these missed chances contributed significantly to the team's inability to claim victory.
Post-game, Seibert was candid about his performance, acknowledging his failure to deliver for his team. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," Seibert confessed. "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." Despite a low snap during his final attempt, Seibert took full responsibility, emphasizing, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
Historic Turnaround by the Cowboys
The Cowboys capitalized on Washington’s setbacks with a performance that would go down in NFL history, notably becoming the first team to make two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. CeeDee Lamb played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ success, leveraging the Commanders' misfortunes to secure a win, despite 10.5-point odds against them.
Lamb couldn't resist a cheeky nod to his former Oklahoma teammate, Seibert, after the game: "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one." His statement captured both the camaraderie and the competitive edge that often coexist within the NFL's tightly-knit community.
Injury and Its Implications
Prior to the game, there had been some concern over Seibert’s right hip. Nevertheless, he assured both himself and the Commanders that he was fit to play, underscoring his commitment to the team: "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." Now on injured reserve, the Commanders must look to fill his position swiftly to stabilize their special teams unit.
The Commanders, now facing the challenge of regaining momentum, will need to address Seibert’s absence strategically. The setback has put the team's resolve and adaptability to the test, as they navigate the remaining season with renewed focus on overcoming adversity.
As the Commanders reevaluate their strategies moving forward, finding a reliable kicking option will be crucial in their quest to reclaim their footing in the competitive league standings. The journey promises to be a challenging yet defining stretch for a team eager to turn its fortunes around and maintain its competitive edge.