In a surprising turn of events, the Washington Commanders are grappling with a setback in their kicking department as Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve following a challenging performance against the Dallas Cowboys. The decision comes after Seibert missed two pivotal extra points in a game where every point mattered, with the Commanders ultimately losing 34-26.
Seibert's troubles began in the third quarter when he missed an extra point post a 17-yard touchdown run from Jayden Daniels. A second unsuccessful attempt followed in the fourth quarter, after an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. These misses contributed to Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26, putting them in a tight spot as the game intensified.
Prior to Sunday's matchup, Seibert's record was impressive; he had converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts successfully. Yet, the encounter with the Cowboys marked a significant deviation from his hitherto perfect track record.
Unexpected Odds and Historical Feats
The Cowboys, overcoming a 10.5-point deficit against them, not only secured victory but also etched their names in NFL history by becoming the first team to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. CeeDee Lamb was instrumental in the Cowboys' success, contributing significantly to their offensive plays.
Seibert, whose right hip had been a point of concern, expressed post-game that his physical condition did not hinder his performance. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he remarked, reflecting on his decision to participate despite the injury queries.
Responsibility and Reflection
Despite the low snap on his final attempt, Seibert took complete accountability for the missed opportunities, stating, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me." His candid acknowledgment of his performance underscores a maturity and professionalism that he now channels towards improvement. "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 added, showcasing his commitment to the team.
Moving Forward for Washington
For the Commanders, the absence of Seibert presents an immediate challenge as they seek to regain momentum after this significant setback. The coaching staff will need to swiftly address the gap in their kicking lineup to maintain competitive form in upcoming games. Potential replacements will be scrutinized closely to ensure the team does not face similar issues in critical situations.
The Commanders' pursuit of recovery and stability is mirrored by the remarks from former college teammate CeeDee Lamb, who noted with a touch of levity, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one." Lamb's comments encapsulate a moment of sportsmanship amid the competitive intensity, highlighting the personal ties that extend beyond the field.
As the Commanders strategize their next moves, the upcoming games will serve not only as a test of skill and resilience but also as an opportunity for new talent to rise to the occasion. The spotlight is now on how well the team adapts and evolves in the face of such challenges, essential not only for their season ambitions but also in building cohesion and trust within the squad. The road ahead demands focus, tactical adjustments, and perhaps a bit of fortune as the Commanders aim to turn their fortunes around.