The kicking competition got its biggest test yet when the Washington Commanders took to the field for their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. Though the sample size was small, the gap between veteran Jake Moody and undrafted rookie Drew Stevens is widening.
Stevens is the exciting young hopeful looking to unseat Moody from the starting position. He's gained the upper hand over the offseason, but the former Iowa star had yet to be tested in an NFL game-day setting.
He passed his first test with flying colors, hitting his extra point while also nailing a 41-yard field goal. Moody doinked a 29-yard attempt that fortunately went over, and he was successful with his only extra point attempt.
Drew Stevens widens his advantage in Commanders' kicking battle
There is a shakiness about Moody whenever he comes onto the field. Confidence in his ability is waning among fans, and Stevens is seizing the moment.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic agrees, believing there is now a clear frontrunner with just a few short weeks remaining until final cuts are due.
"Although they had a field goal apiece, (Drew) Stevens seems to have a strong lead over (Jake) Moody, who has had a slew of misses in recent training camp practices. Moody doinked a 29-yard attempt off the upright, but the ball went through. Stevens booted a 41-yarder and nailed an extra-point attempt."
Stevens has the hot hand (or leg). He thought the Commanders represented the best possible environment to gain prominent playing time immediately, and general manager Adam Peters quickly offered him a contract when interest from elsewhere arrived before his rookie mini-camp tryout.
It was a shrewd move from all parties. And if the same trend continues over Washington's final two preseason contests, the decision will be an easy one to make.
Jake Mood is hanging by a thread with Commanders after shaky preseason outing
Where that leaves Moody is anyone's guess.
The Commanders could place him on the practice squad, but he will be eager for a starting opportunity somewhere else. That's to be determined, but Peters will do what he believes is right for the team.
Raising competition for places was a primary objective for Peters. Moody got a new one-year deal, but getting a free run to the starting role was not an option. Stevens is here to take over. And though the Michigan product has put up a decent fight, the gulf in quality between the two is starting to show.
The Commanders have lacked stability at the kicker position for a long time. If Stevens can progress, stay consistent, and build on his recent momentum, he'll be in the squad for Washington's regular-season curtain-raiser against the Philadelphia Eagles.
And that scenario seems likelier than ever after just one preseason contest.
Add us as a preferred source on Google