The Washington Commanders are dealing with a significant setback after placing kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve, following a tough outing against the Dallas Cowboys that accentuated the challenges now facing the team. Already grappling with a hard-fought 34-26 loss, which saw the Cowboys overcome 10.5-point odds, the Commanders must now address the sudden void in their kicking roster.
Seibert, who had been a model of consistency up until Sunday, suffered an inexplicable lapse, missing two pivotal extra-point attempts that markedly influenced the game’s trajectory. Prior to the clash with the Cowboys, Seibert had been flawless, converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts—a testament to his reliability.
Crucial Misses Costly for Commanders
Seibert’s initial miss followed a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. This blunder, however, turned out to be only the beginning of his woes. His subsequent failure came after an explosive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leaving Washington trailing 27-26. Seibert assumed full responsibility, downplaying any external circumstances. “It didn’t make a difference at all. It's on me,” he commented in response to a low snap on his final extra-point attempt.
The challenge of matching Dallas’s intensified performance escalated in the fourth quarter. Remarkably, the Cowboys achieved a historical feat, becoming the first team in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the final period of a single game, an accomplishment that sealed their victory.
Seibert's Struggles and Future Prospects
Austin Seibert himself was candid in assessing his performance. “I just want to play better for my teammates, you know,” he confessed. “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 forward... moving forward.” Despite concerns surrounding his right hip leading up to the game, Seibert assured that his condition was not a limiting factor. “I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are,” he stated, reiterating his commitment to the team.
Seibert's former college teammate, CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys, didn’t shy away from humor amidst the tension. "Shoutout (to Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one,” Lamb remarked, acknowledging his role in the Cowboys' win.
Commanders Facing Challenges Ahead
With Seibert sidelined, the Commanders are urgently needing to recruit a reliable replacement to stabilize their kicking game as they seek to regain momentum. The team must navigate the upcoming matches without a certainty in a position that often serves as a pivotal factor in close contests. Maintaining morale and finding consistency, especially within special teams, will be crucial to rebounding from their recent setbacks.
As the Commanders regroup, addressing the void left by Seibert's unexpected absence will be critical to avoiding further losses. Their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity will define their progress over the coming weeks. Despite the disappointing loss to the Cowboys, the fortitude to assess and address these gaps positions the Commanders to potentially emerge stronger. For now, fans and analysts alike watch keenly to see how they respond to this early season adversity. With the right adjustments, there is hope that they can swiftly turn the tide in their favor.