Sunday’s matchup between the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys ended in dramatic fashion, with Dallas securing a 34-26 victory. The turning point? A missed extra point attempt by Commanders kicker Austin Seibert after an electrifying 86-yard touchdown by Terry McLaurin with less than 30 seconds left.
The miss left Washington one point short of tying the game and forced them into a desperate onside kick attempt, which Dallas returned for a game-sealing touchdown.
In the wake of the chaotic finish, NFL fans have flooded social media, clamoring for a significant rule change: eliminating the extra point kick entirely.
NO GOOD.
📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/FDg7wGy8KF— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
The Call for Change
The proposal gaining traction among fans is to remove extra point kicks and instead make teams go for a two-point conversion after every touchdown. Supporters argue that this would eliminate the anticlimactic nature of a missed kick deciding the outcome of a game, as it did in this NFC East clash.
Critics of the current system point out that such situations often overshadow the hard-fought efforts of players on the field. McLaurin’s incredible touchdown, for instance, was reduced to a footnote in the wake of Seibert’s miss.
I’ll say it…get rid of extra points. Just make them 2 point attempts after every TD.
— JoshSadlock (@JoshSadlock) November 24, 2024
The Likelihood of Change
While fans may be vocal, the chances of the NFL adopting such a rule are slim. Extra points and field goals are integral to the game’s strategy and tradition. Additionally, kickers often play pivotal roles, as their performances can swing games in either direction.
Despite this, the growing chorus for reform highlights how moments like Sunday’s can reignite debates over longstanding rules.
Implications for the NFC East
The loss dealt a significant blow to Washington’s playoff hopes. Heading into the game, the Commanders were in a strong position to challenge for the NFC East title. Now, with the Eagles at 8-2 and Washington at 7-5, the Commanders’ path to a division crown has become far more challenging.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ victory, while unlikely to revive their own playoff hopes, served as a major spoiler for their rival’s ambitions.
Get rid of extra points, make teams go for two after every touchdown, I don’t give a FUCK. https://t.co/krolktGatR
— the joy (@setokaiba_92) November 24, 2024
Looking Ahead
Sunday’s game provided a stark reminder of how critical every play—and every kick—can be in the NFL. Whether the league seriously considers rule changes or not, fans will continue debating the merits of extra points versus two-point conversions.
For now, the Commanders must regroup, as their margin for error in the NFC playoff race has all but disappeared.
