Commanders Place Kicker Austin Seibert on Injured Reserve After Costly Performance
The Washington Commanders have found themselves in a precarious position following their recent 34-26 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. Central to the narrative of this dramatic contest was the performance of kicker Austin Seibert, who has now been placed on injured reserve.
Seibert's troubled outing included missing two critical extra points, an uncharacteristic performance for the kicker who had been flawless in his extra-point attempts up until that day. Before Sunday, Seibert had successfully converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts, showcasing consistency and reliability. However, during a crucial matchup against division rival Dallas, fortune seemed to turn against him.
His first missed attempt came in the third quarter, following a promising 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels, which could have cushioned the Commanders' lead. The second occurred after an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to star receiver Terry McLaurin, an effort that brought the Commanders within striking distance of the Cowboys, trailing just 27-26. Yet, Seibert's miss was a pivotal moment that left Washington without the hoped-for advantage.
The Cowboys, known for their dynamic playmaking, capitalized on their opportunities and defied the 10.5-point odds stacked against them. They managed to pull off a historical feat, becoming the first team in NFL history to register two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game, a testament to their explosive special teams unit. This effort, accompanied by contributions from players like CeeDee Lamb, secured a significant victory over their Washington rivals.
Off the back of this disappointment, the Commanders are left to regroup and seek solutions, particularly in the kicking game. With Seibert's absence, Washington must find a reliable replacement to sustain their competitive edge in future matches.
Seibert's struggles could partly be attributed to concerns around his right hip, an issue he acknowledged but decided to play through, stating, "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." Despite any physical hindrances, he was quick to shoulder responsibility for his performance. "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 remarked in reflection of the day’s events.
Not one to shy away from claiming responsibility, Seibert added poignantly, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," referring to a low snap during his final extra-point attempt. His accountability may serve as a balm for some, but it does not alter the outcome, nor does it alleviate the Commanders' immediate needs on special teams.
Interestingly, CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys, who played college football alongside Seibert at Oklahoma, humorously commented on the situation, "Shoutout to Commanders kicker Austin Seibert. He went to OU with me. He gave us one." His light-hearted reflection underscores the competitive but congenial spirit that weaves throughout professional sports, even amid intense rivalry.
The setback has left the Washington side pondering adjustments and strategizing to regain momentum as the season continues. Replacing a kicker mid-season is a challenge yet necessitated by the circumstances the Commanders now face. They will be keen to stabilize their kicking game to ensure future contests don't slip through their grasp in tight contests, much like this past Sunday.
As the Commanders analyze their upcoming options and potential signings, eyes will remain firmly fixed on their ability to bounce back from this lingering blow. Though injuries and misfortunes are an evergreen part of the NFL landscape, how a team responds is often the true measure of their season's potential. For now, the Commanders must attempt to move forward with purpose and resilience.