In a shift that has left Washington Commanders' fans waiting anxiously for a comeback, kicker Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve following a disappointing performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Seibert missed two crucial extra points during their 34-26 loss, a misstep that halted his perfect streak of 22 successful extra-point conversions this season.
Seibert's struggles began after a commanding 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. His failure to convert the extra point again came into stark relief following a spectacular 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. This second miss slid Washington behind 27-26, diminishing their chances of snatching a late-game victory.
The Commanders, who had been hoping to maintain their momentum, now find themselves tasked with seeking a suitable replacement for Seibert's role. The team’s coach and management are likely reviewing options to ensure they stay competitive in what has already proven to be an unpredictable season for the squad.
Seibert, reflecting on his performance, expressed his determination to improve for his team. "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. Even as he acknowledged the struggles, Seibert did not blame external factors, adding, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," dismissing any potential influence of a low snap on his final attempt.
The kicker's inclusion in the game had raised eyebrows as concerns about his right hip were flagged before the match. Yet Seibert, confident in his readiness, addressed them head-on: "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." Despite his health assurance, the results spelled out differently on the field where the Commanders desperately needed precision and reliability.
On the other side, the Dallas Cowboys capitalized on the opportunity with remarkable flair. The Cowboys managed to defy a significant 10.5-point disadvantage, marking an impressive win and engraving their name in NFL history as the first team ever to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. CeeDee Lamb was pivotal in the Cowboys' victory. Lamb, recalling his college days shared with Seibert, cheekily remarked, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," underscoring the lively dynamics underlying the NFL's competitive landscape.
The repercussions of this loss loom large for the Commanders as they navigate the challenges of maintaining their strategic integrity and morale. With Seibert sidelined, all eyes are on how the team will handle the ongoing season and break out from this setback to regain their footing. For now, the Commanders must quickly patch up their special teams, reinforce their tactics, and look inward to find the resilience that defines their game.