In a game that saw the Dallas Cowboys set an NFL milestone, the Washington Commanders faced significant challenges, most notably the absence of their dependable kicker, Austin Seibert. With Seibert now placed on injured reserve, the Commanders must navigate their next steps delicately as they reflect on a closely contested 34-26 loss.
For Washington, the matchup against the Cowboys was pivotal, and early performances seemed promising as Seibert had not missed on any of his 22 extra-point attempts going into the game. However, a series of misfortunes saw Seibert struggle critically, missing two valuable extra points. These slips became focal points in a game marked by high pressure and unexpected turns.
The Missed Opportunities
Seibert's first missed opportunity came unexpectedly after Jayden Daniels completed a 17-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The second blunder, more consequential, followed an 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin. With Washington trailing the Cowboys 27-26, the missed extra point was a decisive factor, tipping the balance against the Commanders as the game progressed.
Despite these setbacks, Seibert refrained from shifting blame. Reflecting on the missteps, he shared, "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." His tenacity is emblematic of a player looking to rise from the nadirs of performance.
A Challenging Day for the Commanders
The Commanders’ struggles were compounded by a historic effort from the Cowboys, who became the first team in NFL history to achieve two kickoff return touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a single game. Overcoming 10.5-point odds, Dallas showcased resilience and strategic execution.
CeeDee Lamb was quick to acknowledge Seibert’s unfortunate contributions to the Cowboys' win, remarking, "Shoutout (Commanders kicker Austin Seibert). He went to OU with me. He gave us one." It was a moment of sportsmanship tinged with competitive edge, reflecting the complex dynamics between camaraderie and rivalry in professional sports.
Seibert's Health and Future
Questions surrounding Seibert's health were amplified as discussions on his right hip had surfaced prior to the game. In his own words, however, Seibert played despite these concerns, professing, "I felt fine. That's why I made the decision to play, and here we are." His decision to play, while confident, did not yield the expected results for the Commanders.
As Washington now looks to fill the void left by Seibert’s absence, the immediate focus will be on regaining momentum after this setback. The Commanders, aware of the monumental task ahead, will need to judiciously select a replacement who can step up to face the mounting pressures of the NFL season.
Reflecting on the events, Seibert candidly addressed a critical moment of the game, "It didn't make a difference at all. It's on me," regarding a low snap during his final extra-point attempt. This ownership of responsibility speaks volumes about his character and accountability.
With the competitive landscape of the NFC East heating up, the Commanders have a stringent path to recovery, and Seibert’s situation underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports. As Washington looks to recalibrate and fortify their lineup, the narrative of this game serves as an earnest reminder of the intensity and volatility inherent in the sport.