In a setback for the Washington Commanders, kicker Austin Seibert has been relegated to injured reserve following a challenging game against the Dallas Cowboys. This development marks a considerable shift in the Commanders' special teams lineup as they adjust to the absence of their kicker, who, until recently, was known for his reliability.
Seibert's recent outing against the Cowboys was marred by two crucial missed extra points, which significantly impacted the game's outcome. These misses played a pivotal role in the Commanders' narrow 34-26 defeat. Prior to this game, Seibert had maintained a perfect record by successfully converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts, underscoring the anomaly of his performance on this occasion.
The first missed extra point happened after a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter, while the second miss followed an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. This latter miss left the Commanders trailing by just a single point at 27-26, exacerbating the pressure on the team as the game progressed.
Despite the loss and the setback it presents, the Cowboys delivered a historic performance by becoming the first team in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. This remarkable achievement showcased the exceptional skill and adaptability of the Cowboys, with players like CeeDee Lamb making notable contributions.
Speaking to his performance, Seibert addressed the difficulties he faced on the field. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that. Just wasn't striking well," he candidly admitted. Reflecting on the missed extra points, he took full responsibility, saying, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," despite facing a low snap during his final attempt.
There were concerns about Seibert's right hip leading up to the game, yet he chose to participate, asserting, "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." His determination to contribute to the team, even under physical duress, highlights his commitment, though it was ultimately not enough to stave off defeat.
In the wake of Seibert's injury, the Commanders are tasked with finding a new kicker to fill the void. This is a significant challenge as they seek to regain their momentum and strengthen their resilience in upcoming matches. The team's current predicament will test their depth and adaptability as they aim for a comeback.
Adding a light touch to the situation, CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys quipped, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," a nod to their shared history and the unpredictable nature of sports rivalries.
As the Commanders look forward, the departure of Seibert from active play necessitates strategic adjustments. It’s a moment that calls for introspection and a deepened focus on the elements of the game that can better safeguard against future slip-ups. With their sights set on redemption, the Commanders will be working to fill the gap left by Seibert's absence and fortify their special teams for the challenges that lie ahead.