Seibert Placed on Injured Reserve After Costly Misses
In a challenging turn of events for the Washington Commanders, kicker Austin Seibert has been placed on injured reserve following a pivotal game against the Dallas Cowboys where his missed extra points contributed to the team's defeat. Seibert, who had been dependable with a perfect record in extra-point attempts up to this game, fell under an unanticipated cloud of pressure, missing two critical opportunities during Washington's 34-26 loss. These misses have inevitably added fuel to the Commanders' quest for a replacement to secure their kicking responsibilities.
The game was a high-intensity battle, marked by Seibert's missed attempts which played a crucial role in shaping the outcome. His first miss came in the third quarter after a valiant 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels. This stumble was followed by an even more unfortunate miss after an electrifying 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The Commanders found themselves trailing by a single point, 27-26, due to the missed opportunities.
A Game of High Stakes
Despite the setbacks, Seibert remained resolute in his commitment to the team. "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 expressed, reflecting both his disappointment and determination.
The pressure of such high-stakes moments is undeniable, and even when a low snap during the final extra-point attempt could have been an excuse, Seibert took full responsibility. "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," he stated, shouldering the burden without hesitation.
Interestingly, Seibert played against the Cowboys while contending with a concern about his right hip, which apparently did not impact his decision to participate. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he remarked, affirming his condition post-game.
Unexpected Heroes
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys exceeded expectations, overcoming 10.5-point odds against them. Their victory was historic, as they became the first team in NFL history to achieve two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game—a feat that shifted the momentum firmly in their favor. CeeDee Lamb, a significant factor in the Cowboys' success, sent a subtle acknowledgment towards Seibert, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," remembering their shared background and perhaps expressing a mixed sentiment of camaraderie and competitiveness.
The Commanders are now tasked with finding a reliable replacement for Seibert as they endeavor to recover the momentum lost in the setback against Dallas. The implications of his absence could alter the team dynamics, impacting both strategy and morale as they advance into the season.
With Austin Seibert sidelined, the Commanders must confront this adversity head-on, recalibrating their setup as they strive to bounce back stronger. As the NFL season progresses, the ripples of Seibert’s absence will surely unfold, testing the mettle and resilience of a team eager to prove their mettle on the gridiron.