The Washington Commanders are facing a critical juncture in their season following their recent defeat to the Dallas Cowboys, compounded by the loss of kicker Austin Seibert to injured reserve. Plagued by two crucial missed extra points during their 34-26 setback against the Cowboys, Seibert's absence now leaves the Commanders in search of a reliable replacement as they aim to regain their footing.
Seibert's Struggles Against the Cowboys
Austin Seibert's performance on the field against Dallas was uncharacteristically fraught with challenges. Before the game, Seibert had consistently delivered, successfully converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts. However, Sunday told a different story. His first missed opportunity came following a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. The struggle continued with a second miss after an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leaving Washington trailing by a slim margin of 27-26.
Despite dealing with concerns regarding his right hip, Seibert chose to play, citing that he felt fine. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he explained after the game. Nonetheless, his misses proved pivotal in the high-stakes environment against Dallas.
Reflecting on the Tough Break
Reflecting on his performance, Seibert took full responsibility for the missed chances, showing a commendable level of accountability. "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 remarked. His commitment to improvement is clear, underscoring his dedication to the team despite the setback.
Seibert dismissed any suggestion that a low snap contributed to his struggles, stating, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me." This self-critical reflection demonstrates his resolve to address the lapses and perhaps return to form once recovered.
The Cowboys' Historic Feat
The Cowboys, overcoming 10.5-point odds against them, made history during the game, becoming the first NFL team to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single contest. This feat was instrumental in securing their victory and compounded Washington's woes further. CeeDee Lamb played a significant role in the Cowboys' win, showing his support for Seibert by saying, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one." His comments hint at mutual respect, despite the competitive stakes.
Looking Ahead for the Commanders
Without Seibert, the Commanders now confront the challenge of filling the void in their lineup as they aim to recapture their earlier momentum. This setback requires immediate attention to ensure they remain competitive as the season progresses, particularly in tight games where every point is crucial.
Washington's head office and coaching staff will need to carefully evaluate their options to find a kicker who can confidently step into the role amidst the NFL's evolving and competitive landscape. Their ability to make a swift and successful decision will be key to navigating upcoming challenges and restoring the team's confidence after the recent setback.
As Seibert works towards recovery, both he and the Commanders will undoubtedly be eager for redemption. The spotlight now shifts to the next steps in their journey, as they strive to overcome adversity and refocus on the path ahead.