The Washington Commanders have been dealt a significant blow as kicker Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve following a challenging performance during the team's recent matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Seibert, who had been a reliable contributor for the Commanders, faced tough scrutiny after missing two crucial extra points in their narrow 34-26 defeat.
The missed opportunities came as a surprise to many. Prior to this game, Seibert had been perfect with extra-point attempts, successfully converting all 22 of his prior attempts. However, in the showdown against the Cowboys, Seibert faltered first after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels, and again following an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. These misses left Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26, underscoring the impact of each point in such a tightly contested game.
In the aftermath of the game, Seibert reflected on his performance with a sense of accountability and determination. "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," Seibert commented. Despite dealing with concerns over his right hip, Seibert had assured the team of his readiness to play, stating, "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are."
Seibert's struggles were compounded by a low snap during one of his extra-point attempts, though he took full responsibility, remarking, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me." Such candidness resonates with many athletes, reflecting the personal responsibility players often feel for their performance on the field.
For the Cowboys, this victory was significant not just for the win but for its historical context. They overcame 10.5-point odds to secure the triumph and became the first team in NFL history to achieve two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. CeeDee Lamb, a key player for Dallas, acknowledged Seibert's misfortune with a nod to their shared college history at OU, humorously adding, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
The Commanders, now tasked with finding a replacement for Seibert, face the challenge of regaining momentum after this setback. With Seibert sidelined, the team must address the gap to stabilize their special teams unit moving forward. The team’s response to these changes and adjustments will be critical as they strive to turn the page and reclaim their competitive edge.
In the world of professional football, where inches and milliseconds often delineate victory from defeat, Seibert's experience highlights the pressure and unpredictability each game can bring. As the Commanders regroup, the focus remains on adapting and overcoming to keep their season aspirations alive.