Full Breakdown
Washington Commanders Release Kicker Matt Gay After Missed Field Goals
11/18/2025, 3:54:22 AM
Overview of the Decision
The Washington Commanders have officially released kicker Matt Gay following a disappointing performance in a 16-13 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid on November 16, 2025. Gay missed two crucial field goals during the game, including a 56-yarder that would have won the match in regulation. This decision marks a significant change for the Commanders, who have struggled to find stability at the kicker position throughout the season.
Performance Issues
In the game against the Dolphins, Gay missed a 51-yard attempt in the second quarter and the potential game-winning 56-yarder with just 15 seconds left in regulation. These misses contributed to Washington's ongoing six-game losing streak, dropping their record to 3-8. Over the course of the season, Gay converted only 13 of 19 field goals, resulting in a 68.4% accuracy rate, which ranks among the lowest in the NFL. Notably, he was just 4-of-9 on attempts from 50 yards or more, a critical area for kickers in the league.
Official Statements
Head coach Dan Quinn expressed disappointment over Gay's release, stating, “We wanted it to work long-term with Matt. It wasn’t about one game.” Quinn emphasized the need for consistent performance at the kicker position, indicating that the decision was based on a broader evaluation of Gay's performance throughout the season. General Manager Adam Peters also acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, highlighting Gay's positive character as a teammate.
Replacement Plans
To fill the vacancy left by Gay, the Commanders have signed kicker Jake Moody off the Chicago Bears' practice squad. Moody previously made a game-winning kick against the Commanders in Week 6 and has shown promise with an 8-of-9 success rate on field goals this season. This move marks the ninth kicker signed by the Commanders since Quinn and Peters took over, reflecting the team's ongoing search for a reliable option.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to release Gay has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some have criticized Gay's performance throughout the season, labeling him a liability. Social media reactions were particularly harsh following the Dolphins game, with commentators attributing the loss directly to Gay's missed opportunities. Others, however, expressed sympathy for Gay, acknowledging the pressure and challenges faced by kickers in high-stakes situations.
What's Next for the Commanders
The Commanders are currently on a bye week, allowing them time to evaluate their options for a new kicker. They are expected to conduct tryouts for potential replacements before their next game against the Denver Broncos on November 30, 2025. The team hopes to find a more consistent performer to stabilize their special teams unit as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You just feel like you let your team down,” — Matt Gay
- “Commanders coach Dan Quinn said of Gay's release : “The performance, you’ve got to have it.” — Dan Quinn
- “We wanted it to work long-term with Matt. It wasn't (about) one game.” — Dan Quinn
- “An all-time good dude. So, yeah really, bummed that it didn’t work out. We just felt this is the change we needed,” — Dan Quinn
The release of Matt Gay underscores the Commanders' urgent need for improvement as they continue to seek a solution to their kicking woes.
