The Washington Commanders are grappling with a significant challenge following their recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, as they have placed kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve. Seibert's absence comes in the wake of a hard-fought 34-26 loss to their NFC East rivals, a game marked by Seibert's unexpected struggles with two missed critical extra points.
Prior to this game, Seibert had been reliable, successfully converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts. His reliability, however, faltered during a crucial matchup that could have turned differently with a more solid kicking performance. The first missed extra point occurred after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter, momentarily halting the Commanders' momentum. A second miss followed an 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leaving Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26, a deficit they struggled to overcome.
These moments proved pivotal as the Cowboys solidified their win, defying odds stacked against them at 10.5 points, making an indelible mark in NFL history by scoring two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Key among their contributors was CeeDee Lamb, who highlighted Seibert's connection, "[Shoutout Commanders kicker Austin Seibert]. He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
Seibert candidly reflected on his performance after the game, acknowledging his shortcomings and his desire to improve. "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," he said, displaying a mix of disappointment and resolve.
Despite concerns about his right hip prior to the game, Seibert played, affirming his physical readiness. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he explained, shouldering responsibility for his underperformance and claiming accountability for a low snap during his final extra-point attempt. "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," Seibert conceded, emphasizing personal accountability over external factors.
The Commanders, now without Seibert's services, are tasked with finding a replacement to fill the integral role of kicker while also seeking to regain their momentum after the setback. The game against the Cowboys not only highlighted the challenges within their special teams unit but also underscored the fine margins that often define NFL contests.
With Seibert sidelined, Washington must navigate the complexities of NFL seasons, where player availability can fluctuate unpredictably, and fortunes can shift with each play. The pressure is now on the team management to identify a suitable kicker who can step into Seibert's shoes and deliver under pressure as the season progresses.
As the Commanders regroup, they will look to their roster for solutions, aiming to stabilize their performances and hope for a swift return to form. All eyes will be on how they adjust and adapt to this sudden void in their lineup, a test of their resilience and strategic foresight as they look to make a meaningful impact in the rest of their campaign.