Washington Commanders Facing Setback with Kicker Austin Seibert Out
The Washington Commanders are grappling with a blow to their special teams after placing their kicker, Austin Seibert, on injured reserve. This decision follows Seibert’s crucial missed opportunities in their recent clash against the Dallas Cowboys—an error that has sparked concern and introspection within the team.
Seibert, who had previously demonstrated remarkable consistency by converting all 22 of his extra-point attempts this season, faltered against the Cowboys. The kicker missed two critical extra points during the Commanders' 34-26 defeat. These missteps have heightened the urgency to address the gaps left by his absence.
Costly Misses in a Close Contest
The Commanders' matchup against the Cowboys was rife with tension and expectation. Seibert's first missed extra point came following a 17-yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels in the third quarter. Soon after, a second blunder occurred post an impressive 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. At that moment, Washington found itself trailing the Cowboys 27-26, with missed opportunities looming large over their performance. Seibert's struggles on the field highlighted an otherwise potent offensive display.
Despite the pressure, Seibert remained resolute, attributing the errors to personal shortcomings rather than external factors. "I just want to play better for my teammates, you know, definitely don't want to do that," Seibert reflected after the game. "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."
Contributing Factors and Moving Forward
Seibert had battled concerns about his right hip leading into the game, though downplayed its effect on his performance. The situation was exacerbated by an issue with the snap on his final extra-point attempt, although Seibert refused to blame it. "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," he stated candidly, emphasizing personal accountability.
Commanders’ management now faces the challenge of swiftly finding a reliable replacement. The setback comes at a time when Washington is desperate to regain momentum and assert itself in the competitive landscape of the league.
Cowboys' Unprecedented Feat
While Seibert's miscues are cause for concern in the Washington camp, the Dallas Cowboys seized the opportunity to capitalize. Defying 10.5-point odds stacked against them, the Cowboys achieved a historic feat by becoming the first team in NFL history to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. CeeDee Lamb was one of the standout performers, contributing significantly to the Cowboys' success. In a postgame comment that intertwined competitiveness with camaraderie, Lamb noted, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one."
Reassessing Strategy
As the Commanders assess their strategy moving forward, they must come to terms with the dual challenges of injury and performance inconsistency. Seibert's decision to play, voiced through a commitment to team effort—"I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are"—reflects a deeper dedication that will need to be echoed by his potential replacements.
Seibert’s absence is more than a momentary hurdle; it's a scenario that calls for strategic evaluation and depth within the squad to ensure that special teams continue to deliver under pressure. The Commanders are keenly aware of the impact that a competent kicker can have on maintaining competitive edges in close contests.
As they seek to shore up the loss and return to winning ways, the Commanders must reinforce their lineup and make responsive adjustments to their kicking game. The road ahead, while challenging, carries the promise of recovery and resilience if managed astutely.