The Washington Commanders have been dealt a significant blow as they placed kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve following their recent 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. This setback comes on the heels of Seibert's uncharacteristic performance, where he missed two critical extra points, leaving Washington searching for answers.
Before Sunday's matchup, Seibert had been flawless, successfully converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts. However, against the Cowboys, the kicker found himself struggling. Seibert's first miss followed a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. A more crucial second miss ensued after an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leaving the Commanders trailing 27-26.
Seibert candidly admitted his shortcomings, expressing a strong desire to improve. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," he acknowledged. "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 sentiments highlight the personal weight he carries as he comes to terms with the cost of his performance.
The missed opportunities came despite Seibert's confidence in his physical condition. His right hip had been a concern, but he reassured everyone before the game, stating, "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." Even after experiencing a low snap during his final extra-point attempt, Seibert refused to lay blame elsewhere, saying, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
This loss had an added layer of history with the Cowboys defying 10.5-point odds to clinch the game. Perhaps most impressive was their achievement of becoming the first team in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. Their dynamic play, significantly aided by CeeDee Lamb, was a key factor in their triumph. Lamb, notably connected through collegiate ties with Seibert at the University of Oklahoma, quipped, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
The Commanders now face the challenge of replacing Seibert, a task that adds to their burden as they aim to regain their footing. Without their trusted kicker, Washington will need to look for stability in a critical special teams position. The Commanders are eager to recover momentum after this unexpected setback, but the path forward will require them to adjust swiftly and strategically.
As Washington grapples with these changes, the ripple effects of Seibert's removal on their roster reverberate throughout the team. While the precise duration of Seibert’s absence remains uncertain, the Commanders' management is undoubtedly in earnest discussions about potential replacements and the strategic implications of this transition.
For the Commanders’ fans and squad alike, this serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport, where fortunes can shift swiftly with just a few plays. Indeed, Sunday's game underscores the criticality of each player’s role and the full impact of individual performances on the team's season trajectory.
With these recent events, the Commanders face the dual task of reflection and progression. Austin Seibert, despite this setback, has shown a commendable sense of accountability and determination to improve. For Washington, the challenge now lies in building resilience and reclaiming their competitive edge in the weeks to come.