Commanders Cut Matt Gay After Missed Kicks Prove Costly in Overtime Loss

The Washington Commanders’ overtime defeat to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday left players and coaches frustrated, not only because of the result but because of opportunities they failed to convert. A pair of missed field goals proved pivotal, including one attempt at the end of regulation that could have secured a victory.

By Monday morning, the fallout was clear. The Commanders released kicker Matt Gay, ending his brief tenure after a performance that swung the outcome of a tightly contested game. The decision underscores a season filled with inconsistency and untimely mistakes for Washington.

Gay, a veteran with playoff experience and a strong résumé, was visibly emotional after the game, taking complete responsibility for the misses. His postgame comments reflected a mixture of disappointment and self-criticism as he acknowledged how his kicks changed the trajectory of the matchup.

Now, as the Commanders regroup and prepare for their next challenge, they find themselves searching for stability in a season already defined by injuries, inconsistency, and difficult roster decisions.

1. Missed Chances Shift Momentum

Washington kept pace with Miami throughout the game, creating several chances to take control in the final minutes. One of the clearest opportunities came with 15 seconds remaining in regulation, when Gay lined up for a 56-yard attempt that would have given the Commanders the lead. The kick sailed wide, sending the contest into overtime. It was Gay’s second miss of the day, further magnifying the pressure on a team that has struggled to finish close games all season. In overtime, Miami capitalized on its possessions while Washington stumbled, unable to recover from the missed chances that had defined the fourth quarter. The Commanders’ coaching staff emphasized afterward that execution, not effort, was the culprit behind the defeat. Gay’s performance ultimately became the storyline, overshadowing what had otherwise been a competitive outing against one of the AFC’s more dynamic offenses.

2. Gay Takes Responsibility in Emotional Postgame

Following the loss, Gay spoke candidly about the afternoon’s events, placing the blame on himself. He insisted that distance, weather, and field conditions played no role and that the responsibility rested solely with his execution. “It does not matter; the ball did not go through,” he said, adding that he felt he had let down his teammates at a crucial moment. His comments reflected both accountability and disappointment as he processed the impact of the missed kicks. He described the atmosphere at the stadium as “awesome,” noting that playing in the venue was something he had always looked forward to. That sense of excitement, however, quickly faded as he grappled with the consequences of two misses that altered the team’s path. Gay acknowledged that the game could have ended differently had he converted either attempt, calling the situation “pretty upsetting” and reiterating that he wished he could have delivered in key moments.

3. Washington Turns the Page

The Commanders’ decision to release Gay came swiftly, signaling the urgency the organization feels as it tries to salvage the remainder of its season. According to NFL Network, the move was finalized Monday, leaving Washington searching for a replacement ahead of its next matchup. The team’s ongoing struggles extend well beyond special teams. Injuries to several starters have disrupted continuity, and uneven play on offense and defense has prevented Washington from building momentum. With a bye week ahead, the Commanders will use the extra time to evaluate kicker options and attempt to stabilize a roster that has endured frequent changes. The coaching staff is expected to bring in multiple candidates before settling on a new starter. Washington will face the Denver Broncos in two weeks, hoping that improved execution and a fresh start at kicker can help them avoid the late-game stumbles that have defined recent weeks.