Seibert Hits the IR After Costly Misses in Commanders' Defeat
The Washington Commanders are facing a pivotal moment in their season after placing kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve. The decision comes on the heels of a challenging outing against the Dallas Cowboys, where Seibert missed two crucial extra-point attempts, pivotal in the Commanders' 34-26 loss.
Seibert had established himself as a reliable kicker for the Commanders, having successfully converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts before Sunday's game. However, his performance against the Cowboys signaled trouble when he failed to capitalize on a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. Later, he missed another extra point following an 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leaving Washington trailing Dallas 27-26.
The Cowboys, defying 10.5-point odds, capitalized on their opportunities to defeat the Commanders. Remarkably, they marked their place in NFL history by becoming the first team to secure two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. This offensive burst, augmented by CeeDee Lamb's contributions, ensured their victory.
Addressing his performance, Seibert expressed a sense of accountability. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," he stated, reflecting on the extra points he missed. "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."
Despite physical concerns before the game, Seibert dismissed any implications that his right hip affected his performance. "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are," he said, insisting that the choice to participate was his alone. His acknowledgment of a low snap on the final attempt, dismissing its significance, underscores his resolve to take full responsibility: "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me."
Seibert's absence leaves the Commanders scrambling to find a replacement as they aim to rebuild momentum after the setback. The team's urgency to fill this void highlights the vital role of a solid kicker in securing close games. The Commanders now have to navigate these waters, attending to their kicking game while managing their roster amid the ongoing challenges of an intense season.
CeeDee Lamb, a former teammate of Seibert's at the University of Oklahoma, couldn't help but share his sentiment postgame. "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one," Lamb noted, recognizing the unwitting assist his old college mate provided in Dallas’s triumph.
For Seibert, the journey doesn't end here, as he transitions into recovery with hopes of returning stronger. This incident marks both a temporary detour and a test of resilience for the determined kicker.
As the Commanders regroup, they focus not only on refining their on-field performances but also on maintaining the spirit and morale inside the locker room. With a dedicated roster and unwavering resolve, Washington aims to bounce back, correcting course in what they hope will be a narrative of redemption.