5 Commanders players who helped themselves most during preseason win vs. Ravens

Joey Slye - Commanders K

Does a game-winning kick in a preseason game really matter? In this case, it matters a lot.

Joey Slye has a great leg. But he has been plagued by inconsistency throughout his NFL career.

The fact is, he had already secured his roster spot when Michael Badgely was released last week. But NFL kickers are on short leashes. A couple of bad kicks in a row could end a tenure.

Coming off a season in which he missed a combined nine field goals and extra points, Slye needs all the good karma he can get. This may have only been a preseason game, but the Washington Commanders' very much wanted to win.

There was more pressure than usual in a preseason game. Andkickers always feel pressure – even in practice. Their professional life depends on putting the ball between the uprights every time.

Slye should be coming into his prime as a placekicker. We are all going to hope that this kick is a sign of his maturity.

The Commanders have some recent history of giving up on kickers too early. David Akers and Graham Gano appeared in seven Pro Bowls this century – for other teams. Washington’s last Pro Bowl kicker was Chip Lohmiller, in 1991.

They have stuck with Slye. Perhaps that loyalty is going to begin paying dividends.