The Washington Commanders are sticking with long-snapper Camaron Cheeseman despite his struggles. Cheeseman has had issues with snapping the ball too low. He did so multiple times in the preseason, and last week against the Denver Broncos, his low snap led to kicker Joey Slye missing a field goal wide right.
Washington sought to address the issue by working out multiple long snappers on Tuesday, including Tucker Addington. But ultimately, the team has decided to allow Cheeseman to correct his mistakes.
The Commanders are going to “grit our teeth” with Cheeseman and let him fight his way back, head coach Ron Rivera said Thursday. However, the team has a list of available options in case he continues to struggle.
Commanders special teams coach Nate Kaczor admitted, “The leash is definitely shorter,” per ESPN’s John Keim. Kaczor leaned toward Cheeseman’s production in his previous two seasons.
The Commanders selected the former Michigan Wolverine in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Cheesman had a good two years, but the struggles have continued in Year 3. The trust Slye and All-Pro punter Tress Way has in him also played a factor in Washington holding on to Cheesman for now.
Camaron Cheeseman looking at the situation as a wakeup call
Cheesman admitted Washington holding tryouts for his position this week was a wakeup call.
“It’s the reality of the league,” Cheeseman said, per John Keim. “I was fortunate when I came into the league, I didn’t have to compete with anybody, which is rare. … It can be a wakeup call, but it doesn’t change my mindset. It’s good. It’ll be alright.”
Cheeseman also acknowledged that he is learning he doesn’t have to be perfect but good “all the time.” His adjustments aren’t more about changing his grip or snapping technique. He has to get comfortable and maintain consistency.
“I have no doubt I’m going to be better from it,” Cheeseman continued. “It’s disappointing. It’s not what I do. Ninety-nine percent of my snaps throughout the week aren’t like that. I perform, and I’m always confident. When something like that happens, it definitely can be a shot.
Cheeseman aims to push through his struggles. The Commanders are undefeated after two weeks, beating the Arizona Cardinals and holding off the Broncos. Washington will face stiffer competition in Week 3 when Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills come to FedEx Field.
The weather is expected to be nasty due to an approaching tropical storm. That’s not the ideal situation for a long snapper struggling with snaps. But, if Cheeseman wants to stick around with the Commanders, he must find a way to have a clean game.
Every point is premium in the NFL, especially with a team with a young quarterback like the Commanders. Missing field goals because of bad snaps cannot be tolerated much longer. As Coach Kaczor stated, Cheesman’s leash is shorter.
