The Washington Commanders have a probably important drawback on particular groups.
Throughout Saturday’s 30-3 preseason Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, kicker Matt Gay missed a 53-yard discipline aim broad left on the finish of Washington’s first offensive possession.
Homosexual completed the preseason 3-of-5 on discipline aim makes an attempt. He additionally missed a 49-yarder broad left in preseason Week 1 in opposition to the New England Patriots.
Homosexual’s struggles proceed the chaotic journey for the Commanders at kicker.
Final season’s Week 1 starter, Cade York, went 0-of-2 within the opener and was promptly released. His substitute, Austin Seibert, was within the midst of a unbelievable season via Week 9, going 25-of-27 on discipline targets and 22-of-22 on additional factors earlier than lacking two weeks with a hip damage. He was later placed on injured reserve after missing three kicks in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, together with a would-be tying additional level following a wild 86-yard landing with below a minute remaining.
Zane Gonzalez and Greg Joseph mixed to go 7-of-10 on discipline targets the remainder of the season, together with every lacking a 50-yard try.
General, Commanders kickers struggled from lengthy distance, with the 4 combining to go 2-of-8 on makes an attempt of fifty yards or extra. Solely the Philadelphia Eagles had a worse proportion (14.3%) on makes an attempt of no less than 50 yards, per Professional Soccer Reference knowledge.
Washington signed Homosexual to a one-year, $4.25M absolutely assured contract in late April following the 2025 NFL Draft. Per CBS Sports, it is the biggest assured contract for a kicker on a one-year deal in NFL historical past.
Final season, whereas with the Indianapolis Colts, Homosexual was 3-of-9 on 50-yard discipline targets.
The Commanders have the expertise on offense to be one of many league’s prime scoring models, so they won’t have to convert many tries from over 50 yards. Nonetheless, having a kicker who can reliably hit from that distance is an plain asset, significantly late in shut video games or on possessions that stall after crossing midfield.
Washington largely has a roster able to contending for a Tremendous Bowl. However following its remaining tune-up earlier than the common season, kicking is a notable flaw.
