The battle is over much sooner than expected.
Fans have been closely watching the kicking competition between undrafted rookie Drew Stevens and established veteran Jake Moody. It was too close to call early on, but there were growing signs of a widening gap in recent days that haven't gone unnoticed by the Washington Commanders.
According to multiple reports, the Commanders have released Moody, ending his brief yet underwhelming stint in Washington. Stevens is their guy, and he is richly deserving after making such a positive impression from the moment he got into the building.
Commanders moving forward with Drew Stevens is the correct call to make
It's also the right call.
The Commanders have not had stability at kicker throughout the decade. For context, Stevens will be their eighth starting kicker since the 2024 season, and he is the 20th kicker signed (including practice squad) by the club since 2020.
Just astonishing, and this carousel has to stop for a more sustainable future.
Stevens represents what a modern-day NFL kicker should be. He is fearless. He's got the leg strength and accuracy. He's got the right temperament, no matter the magnitude of the occasion. He's also a hard worker eager to maximize his opportunity in the big time.
The former Iowa star also picked the Commanders as the best chance to carve out a successful career for himself. Stevens had several offers from elsewhere, including the Buffalo Bills, but this is where he wanted to be.
And now, he will be a Week 1 starter in the pros.
Hard work is just beginning for Drew Stevens after Commanders' leap of faith
Stevens has earned it. This is also the best-case scenario for the Commanders. They now have a young kicker who could become their long-term option if he carries his sterling summer form into the regular season. But taking the rough with the smooth is crucial.
The first-year pro will not be flawless. The Commanders should give him a leash so he can make mistakes. Being one error away from being cut isn't going to bring the best out of him. He must have the freedom to grow into his role without fear.
Otherwise, he'll just become another name on the long list of failures.
When Moody doinked a 29-yard field goal attempt that somehow went over against the Miami Dolphins in Washington's preseason opener, the writing was on the wall. Stevens displayed much more conviction from 41 yards, and that was all the Commanders needed to see.
Declaring a winner now, when the Commanders were expected to take their time through the preseason, represents a supreme vote of confidence in Stevens.
They are throwing their support behind the rookie, and with time to spare before preparations for the Philadelphia Eagles take center stage. Moody put up a fight, but the gulf in class eventually told.
It's the outcome everyone wanted and predicted. But for Stevens, the hard work is only just beginning.
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