The Washington Commanders have been dealt a significant blow with the placement of kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve. This development comes on the heels of Seibert missing two decisive extra points in the team's recent 34-26 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. In a game marked by high stakes and unexpected turns, Seibert's performance became a focal point for the Commanders' loss.
Before Sunday's matchup, Austin Seibert had been a reliable figure for Washington, having successfully converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts. However, his consistency faltered during the game, with misses that proved costly at crucial moments. The first missed extra point occurred after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. Following this, Seibert's troubles were compounded when he missed another extra point after an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin. These lapses left Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26, a margin that could have significantly shifted the game's dynamics had those kicks been successful.
The impact of Seibert's missed opportunities was exacerbated by the Cowboys' historic performance. They defied the 10.5-point odds against them, ultimately clinching victory and becoming the first team in NFL history to record two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. The loss underscores the Commanders' need to quickly regroup and address the kicker position in Seibert's absence.
CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys also played a pivotal role in his team's success, giving a special nod to his past connection with Seibert. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," Lamb noted, referencing his collegiate teammate in a game where margins were razor-thin.
Austin Seibert, reflecting on his performance and subsequent move to injured reserve, was transparent about his struggles. "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 expressed. He also addressed any potential concerns regarding operational errors during his attempts, adding, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
Despite issues with his right hip, Seibert was adamant that he felt fit to compete. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he stated, suggesting his choice was a calculated risk rather than an oversight.
As the Commanders prepare for upcoming challenges, they must now weigh their options to fill the void left by Seibert. The setback requires strategic decisions to ensure the team regains its footing and momentum. As the season progresses, the Commanders' ability to adapt could define their future prospects.