Commanders' Struggles Continue as Seibert Heads to Injured Reserve
The Washington Commanders are grappling with another setback as they place kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve. Seibert's placement on the injury list comes on the heels of a stinging 34-26 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys—a game that underscored the unpredictable nature of NFL matchups.
Amidst the intense rivalry on the field, Seibert's performance proved to be particularly pivotal. He missed two critical extra points during the game, an uncharacteristic stumble for the kicker who, until Sunday, had successfully converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts this season. The first missed opportunity came after Jayden Daniels' 17-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and the second following an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, which left the Commanders trailing the Cowboys 27-26.
In a post-game reflection, Seibert expressed the weight of the moment, acknowledging the burden of falling short. "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 shared. Despite a low snap during his final attempt, Seibert emphasized his accountability, stating simply, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
Before the game, concerns loomed over Seibert's right hip, yet he made the decision to play, affirming that he felt fine. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he said after the game, suggesting no physical ailment hampered his performance on that challenging evening.
History for Cowboys, Regret for Commanders
The Cowboys, largely seen as the underdogs with 10.5-point odds against them, capitalized on their opportunities with historical impact. They became the first team in NFL history to record two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game, showcasing their agility and preparedness in seizing the moment. Key contributions, notably from CeeDee Lamb, sparked their formidable comeback. Lamb, acknowledging the role Seibert’s misses played, noted with a touch of irony, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
As the Commanders seek to restore their momentum amidst this setback, the focus shifts to filling the critical kicking position left vacant by Seibert's absence. The importance of such a role cannot be overstated in a league where games often hinge on the precision and reliability of the kicker.
The road ahead is challenging. For Washington, mounting injuries and missed opportunities require strategic adjustments and introspection. As they navigate these waters, one thing is clear: the Commanders must now rally, not just to patch the void left by Seibert, but to reignite their competitive spark in what remains of the season.