In an unexpected turn of events, the Washington Commanders find themselves without the services of kicker Austin Seibert, who has been placed on injured reserve following a disappointing performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Seibert, who had been consistent up until the game, missing none of his previous 22 extra-point attempts, faltered at crucial moments, significantly impacting the team’s 34-26 defeat.
Seibert's struggles came to the fore after missing two pivotal extra points. His first miss followed a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter, and the second miss came after an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. These lapses were critical, as they left Washington trailing the Cowboys by a single point, 27-26, after the second missed extra point.
Despite the setback, Seibert’s attitude towards his performance was reflective and accountable. "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 after the game, highlighting his commitment to improving his form for the sake of his team's success. Addressing a potential distraction from a low snap during his final attempt, he took full ownership, stating, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
The impact of Seibert's misses was felt throughout the game, but equally eye-catching was the Cowboys' remarkable ability to counter odds and make history. Overcoming a 10.5-point disadvantage, Dallas marked their place in the NFL annals by becoming the first team to achieve two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. This extraordinary feat added another layer to Washington's woes, ultimately pushing the game out of their reach.
Dallas star CeeDee Lamb was among those who capitalized on the opportunities created during the game. In a nod to the past, Lamb remarked, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," reflecting on their shared history at the University of Oklahoma.
While the Commanders have been dealt a blow with the loss of Seibert, who played despite concerns over his right hip, his acknowledgment of feeling "fine" at the time softens the inquiries about his decision to participate. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," Seibert explained, indicating that his decision was rooted in his self-assessment of fitness rather than external pressures.
As Washington looks to regain momentum, moving forward will involve addressing both the immediate need to fill the kicker position and the broader implications of their recent performance. With aspirations to recalibrate and recover in their upcoming fixtures, the Commanders have lessons to glean from this encounter with the Cowboys.
Recognizing the pressures and realities of professional sport, Seibert’s experience is a reminder of the thin margins that separate victory from defeat. As he takes time to heal physically and mentally, the Commanders will undoubtedly be vigilant in securing a reliable replacement to navigate the challenges of the NFL season. All eyes will be on their next moves, both on and off the field, as the team strives to reestablish its footing in the league.