In an unfortunate turn of events this week, the Washington Commanders placed kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve following a critical performance against the Dallas Cowboys where he missed two essential extra-point attempts. The 34-26 loss to the Cowboys underscored a disappointing moment in Seibert's career, given his track record of precision prior to this game.
Leading up to Sunday’s face-off with Dallas, Seibert had been immaculate, converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts without a hitch. However, the game proved challenging. The first missed extra point came after Jayden Daniels' impressive 17-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and the second miss followed an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass by Daniels to Terry McLaurin. This resulted in Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26, transforming the dynamics of a crucial matchup in their season. Despite these setbacks, Seibert’s decision to play relied on his assessment of his right hip's condition, which he had deemed fine before taking the field.
In the face of rising pressure, Seibert maintained a frank perspective. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," he candidly expressed. "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." Acknowledging his last extra-point attempt's low snap, he further remarked, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me." Seibert's resolve to hold himself accountable was evident as he continued to address the situation honestly: "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." These statements reflect both a personal and professional drive to overcome setbacks, an attribute his teammates and fans will likely appreciate.
While Seibert grapples with these missed opportunities, the Dallas Cowboys carved out their moment of glory in the same game. Overcoming the 10.5-point odds, they made history by becoming the first NFL team to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in the fourth quarter. CeeDee Lamb, who contributed to the Cowboys' triumph, light-heartedly acknowledged Seibert's old collegiate connection, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," he quipped, referencing Seibert's unintentional assist in the game.
The Commanders are now faced with the task of finding a replacement for Seibert to regain their momentum. Without their primary kicker, adjustments will be necessary, but with a determined team spirit, Washington strives to move past this hurdle and aim for a more successful outcome in subsequent games.
As the season progresses, Seibert's incident will serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where triumph and trial are but different threads in the same fabric. His drive towards improvement adds a compelling narrative as the franchise crafts strategies to navigate the setbacks, eyeing a return to victorious form on the gridiron.