When Head Coach Dan Quinn mentioned he wanted to let the kicking competition stretch into the preseason, he likely wanted to see how his specialists handled high-pressure reps. But during Monday’s practice in Ashburn, the pressure seemed to get the better of everyone.
It was, simply put, a brutal day for the kicking unit. Both veteran Jake Moody and undrafted rookie Drew Stevens had their worst showings of training camp, raising fresh questions about the stability of the position heading into the preseason opener.
A Monday to Forget
The primary kicking periods on Monday were anything but crisp.
- Jake Moody: The veteran’s downward trend unfortunately continued. Moody went an alarming 2-for-6, missing four consecutive field goal attempts from 44, 49, 51, and 55 yards. This rough outing compounds a troubling slide; Moody has now missed 11 kicks over the team’s last four practices.
- Drew Stevens: The undrafted rookie out of Iowa had a prime opportunity to slam the door on the competition but failed to capitalize. Stevens posted a 3-for-6 line, missing from 39, 51, and 55 yards out.
For an organization searching for long-term consistency, watching both kickers combine for just five successful field goals is a jarring sight.
Overall Status of the Kicker Battle
Despite the mutual collapse on Monday, the overarching trajectory of the training camp battle paints a much clearer picture.
Drew Stevens is in the Driver’s Seat
Before Monday’s blip, Stevens had been operating with near-flawless precision. He nailed all of his attempts across multiple sessions last week, displaying supreme accuracy and an impressive leg. Based on the larger body of work throughout the entirety of camp, Stevens holds the undeniable upper hand.
Jake Moody is Feeling the Heat
What started as a kick-for-kick, neck-and-neck battle has spiraled for the former Michigan star. After a perfect 9-for-9 day earlier in camp, the veteran seems to be battling his mechanics and constantly missing wide left on very manageable distances like 33 and 47 yards.
The Verdict
Right now, the Commanders kicker spot belongs to Drew Stevens. However, Monday’s missteps ensure that the competition remains technically open as the Commanders pivot toward joint practices and the preseason slate. If Stevens can shake off this single rough practice and deliver when the lights turn on, all signs point to him being the Week 1 starter against the Philadelphia Eagles. Moody, meanwhile, faces a massive uphill climb to regain his footing and the coaches’ trust.
