Commanders' Kicker Austin Seibert Sidelined: A Painful Blow Amid Dallas Defeat
In a tumultuous week for the Washington Commanders, kicker Austin Seibert finds himself on injured reserve, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging season. Despite his assurances of feeling fine, a right hip concern ultimately sidelined him following a disheartening performance against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Commanders faced the Cowboys in a high-stakes game, ultimately falling short with a 34-26 loss. The match highlighted Seibert's struggles, as he missed two crucial extra points that could have been pivotal in changing the narrative of the game. Before this game, Seibert had been flawless in converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts, a streak that no doubt increased the sting of Sunday’s falter.
Seibert’s first missed extra point came after a successful 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. The second miss followed an exhilarating 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, a moment that should have brought the Commanders level but instead left them trailing 27-26. These missed opportunities underscored the importance of precision and the unforgiving nature of competitive football.
Reflecting on his performance, Seibert explained, "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." Even when questioned about a low snap during his final attempt, Seibert took full accountability, stating, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
The Cowboys, on the other hand, capitalized on Washington's missteps and managed to overturn 10.5-point odds against them to secure their victory. In a historic fashion, the Cowboys became the first team in NFL history to achieve two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game, showcasing their adaptability and resilience.
Star player CeeDee Lamb, who had a significant role in the Cowboys' triumphs, also acknowledged Seibert's history with a playful jab, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
With Seibert out, the Commanders urgently need to fill the gap in their roster. The absence of their kicker comes at a critical time, as the team aims to recover momentum and push forward in a highly competitive league. The Commanders’ front office is now tasked with finding a reliable replacement to steady the ship as they steer through the obstacles of an NFL season.
As the Commanders work toward resolving this unexpected dilemma, the spotlight is on their ability to rally and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of professional football. The following weeks will be critical, not just in terms of finding a replacement for Seibert, but also in fortifying their strategies and restoring their focus on redemption.