The Washington Commanders have a probably vital downside on particular groups.
Throughout Saturday’s 30-3 preseason Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, kicker Matt Gay missed a 53-yard subject objective huge left on the finish of Washington’s first offensive possession.
Homosexual completed the preseason 3-of-5 on subject objective makes an attempt. He additionally missed a 49-yarder huge left in preseason Week 1 towards 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 improbable season by means of Week 9, going 25-of-27 on subject targets and 22-of-22 on additional factors earlier than lacking two weeks with a hip harm. 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 subject targets the remainder of the season, together with every lacking a 50-yard try.
Total, 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 share (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 subject targets.
The Commanders have the expertise on offense to be one of many league’s high scoring items, so they may not must convert many tries from over 50 yards. Nonetheless, having a kicker who can reliably hit from that distance is an simple asset, notably 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.
