The Washington Commanders' recent game against the Dallas Cowboys was nothing short of chaotic, leaving fans and players alike scratching their heads after experiencing one of the more bizarre finishes of the NFL season. This 34-26 contest on Sunday at Northwest Stadium saw the Commanders slip away from potential victory, largely due to several blunders—most painfully by their kicker, Austin Seibert.
Things didn't start off well for Seibert, who was returning from injury after missing two games with a hip issue. Having previously displayed commendable accuracy, he had made 25 of 27 field goal attempts this season and was perfect on extra points—until everything went wrong against Dallas.
Despite some strong offensive plays, highlighted by quarterback Jayden Daniels' 86-yard touchdown connection with wide receiver Terry McLaurin, the Commanders were often left teetering on the brink of disaster. This precarious situation escalated dramatically within the final moments of the game. After cutting the Cowboys' lead to just one point, Seibert missed the extra point, which was partially due to a low snap and poor hold, but he quickly took sole responsibility for the blunder, stating, "[the snap] didn’t make a difference at all. It’s on me."
This failed conversion was followed just moments later by a disastrous attempt for the onside kick. Instead of regaining possession, the kick went straight to Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas, who returned it 43 yards for another touchdown, sealing Washington's defeat and adding yet another layer of heartbreak to the fans who had hoped for a comeback.
Despite the loss, Seibert stood firm, showing accountability. Even when pressed about whether the missed snaps contributed to his performance, he maintained the narrative of owning his mistakes. "I should have hit it a little bit more left," he assessed of his failed kick, echoing sentiments from his earlier missed extra point. After all, it was not just his misses—his kickoff was also returned for 99 yards by Cowboys' KaVontae Turpin, another significant moment contributing to the Commanders' woes.
Seibert's collapse drew immediate attention, with many observers and fans questioning how someone who had been so reliable throughout the season could fall apart so dramatically at such a pivotal moment. It was not just about poor execution; it was about the cumulative effect of mistakes made at the worst possible time. Football, after all, is as much about teamwork as it is about individual performance.
Other Commanders players echoed similar themes of accountability. Jeremy Reaves, the safety, also took the blame, stating he missed the tackle during Turpin's return, which could have changed the entire dynamic of the game. He admitted, "I made the play 1,000 times. It’s on me, man." This collective sense of responsibility showcased the camaraderie within the team, even amid collective failure.
The broader narrative surrounding the team has transformed over the course of the season. Earlier this year, the Commanders were positioned fiercely within the NFC East contest but now find themselves saddled with three straight losses, diminishing their playoff hopes. After the game, Seibert's eyes reflected the immense pressure resting on his shoulders—struggling not just with his individual performance but also the impact it had on his teammates and on their season as a whole.
Coach Kliff Kingsbury and other team leaders will need to support Seibert moving forward. Following Seibert's mishaps against Dallas, the Commanders must focus on regaining their stride as they prepare to face the Tennessee Titans. Seibert's ability to recover from this emotional and public episode will likely determine whether he can regain the confidence needed to be effective moving forward. He previously demonstrated he has the skills necessary to perform well, but mental resilience is key after such tough days.
Despite the trilogy of pain from this game against their rivals, there remains hope for Washington. With talented players like Daniels and McLaurin leading the charge, the Commanders must pull together and re-establish their focus. Football, as they know, is unforgiving, but the team's capacity to turn their performance around could define the season.
Will Seibert overcome this challenge, or will it haunt him throughout the rest of the year? Only time will tell if the Commanders can rally after this heartbreaking experience and secure the victories they need to salvage their season and restore hope for the passionate fan base waiting for redemption.
