Giants Kicker Dominic Zvada Struggles in Overtime Game Against Commanders

LANDOVER, Md. — Dominic Zvada had been on a perfect streak, but that changed dramatically.

He missed three field goals during the game, including a crucial 46-yarder that could have given the Giants the lead in a tightly contested overtime matchup that ended in a 27-27 tie against the Commanders.

“I got called on and had a chance to help us win, but I just couldn’t come through,” Zvada said. “I own that. This is the NFL; when it’s your turn, you need to step up.”

Previously, Zvada had made all nine of his field goal attempts to start his career, contributing decisively in a 12-7 victory over the Titans and nailing a critical 50-yarder in a 36-24 win against the Cardinals.

However, Sunday presented a different challenge. The wet field and ongoing rain at Northwest Stadium made it tough for him to find his footing, leading to a disappointing 2-for-5 performance on field goals, with misses from 50, 57, and 46 yards.

“I really don’t have any excuses,” he admitted. “We play a lot of games, and there will be plenty of chances. I plan to return to my routine and get ready for next week.”

Towards the end of the game, the Giants were set to rely on Zvada again for a potential game-winning kick when Cam Skattebo fumbled the ball right at the two-minute warning after overtime had transitioned to sudden death.

“The plan was to run it a couple of times, manage the clock, get as close as we could, and protect the ball, which we talked about plenty,” coach John Harbaugh explained. “That’s the strategy we decided on during training camp and it’s likely what we’ll do again next time.”

Zvada didn’t elaborate on what exactly went wrong with his 46-yard attempt that veered wide left.

“I really want to contribute and help this team secure a win,” he commented. “It’s tough to miss an opportunity like that.”

Harbaugh, however, remains supportive of Zvada despite the missed kicks, even recalling the disappointment from Tyler Loop’s missed field goal that cost the Ravens a playoff spot last season.

So, what’s Harbaugh’s confidence in Zvada like now?

“It’s high,” he said. “He’ll learn from this. It’s inevitable that he will miss at some point, but now he has experience with it.”