Head coach Dan Quinn said before training camp began that he wanted to take the kicking competition through the preseason before naming a confirmed starter. But it's starting to look like the Washington Commanders might not need that long.
Undrafted rookie Drew Stevens is turning the screw. And veteran Jake Moody is having a hard time keeping up.
Stevens has been almost flawless throughout camp. He once again nailed all his field goal attempts on Day 8 and Day 9, displaying his supreme accuracy and impressive leg strength in front of fans, reporters, coaches, and general manager Adam Peters. Things could still change quickly, but the Iowa product couldn't be doing anything more to secure the job.
Drew Stevens clearly has the upper hand in Commanders' kicking competition
And make no mistake; Moody is feeling the heat.
After missing two kicks on Friday, the former Ohio State star missed another two during Saturday's session. Perhaps more concerningly, Moody's wayward attempts came from 33 and 47 yards.
Jake Moody was 4-6– missed from 33 and 47 yards. Always wide left. Drew Stevens made all 6 of his attempts.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 8, 2026
They kicked from 33,38, 43, 47, 52 and 57 yards. Stevens has been more consistent throughout camp.
Some in attendance thought Moody was in his own head now, which is never a good sign. Stevens clearly has the upper hand, and the Commanders would be wise to get him heavily involved in their preseason slate to see how he fares.
If he comes through these tests with flying colors, all signs point to Stevens being the Week 1 starter against the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of Moody.
The Commanders need to find stability with a long-term plan at kicker. Stevens could be that as a fledgling first-year pro with lofty goals. He believes this was the best chance to earn his stripes, and he is seizing the moment in no uncertain terms.
Jake Moody has a long road back to retain Commanders starting job
Moody will keep fighting until told otherwise. He was inconsistent after being plucked from the Chicago Bears practice squad last season. After a strong start this summer where he matched Stevens every step of the way, he's now falling back into some bad habits.
And Stevens has taken full advantage.
Complacency is not an option for Stevens. Kicker fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, so staying focused and consistent is crucial. He is clearly brimming with confidence, and everything he's hitting is flying through the uprights.
As for Moody? He'll know how grave his situation now looks.
He's well-versed in overcoming adversity in the NFL after the 2023 third-round pick failed to meet expectations with the San Francisco 49ers. If Moody cannot put up more of a fight against an undrafted rookie, one has to wonder if he'll get another opportunity elsewhere should the Commanders move on.
Momentum is everything at this time of year. Stevens has it right now, and if the same trend continues, a roster battle that looked like it could go down to the wire may become a foregone conclusion much sooner than anticipated.
And if Stevens does get the nod, he'll have earned it and then some.
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