Kicker Jake Moody is reportedly out, released by the Washington Commanders, and they didn’t waste any time resolving that critical training camp position battle. The word dropped Monday afternoon from Jordan Schultz: Moody’s run with the team is done. This isn’t just a minor roster tweak either; it’s a clear signal from the Commanders on who they trust to put points on the board when it counts. They’re going with rookie kicker Drew Stevens, full stop.
Moody’s Misses Led to His Dismissal
Let’s be real, no one wants to see their kicker struggle, especially when the pads are on and the pressure starts to build in camp. Reports from the last Commanders training camp block highlighted Moody’s struggles, with a few easy misses in practice. You know the kind that make you groan, even if it’s “just” practice. And then there was his last field-goal attempt with the Commanders: a 29-yard volley that literally *doinked* off the upright before it ultimately converted the attempt. Yeah, it went through, but seeing that kind of wobble in a pressure moment, even during early camp, can shake a coach’s confidence. Moody was signed off Chicago’s practice squad last season and had converted 91% of his field-goal attempts, which is solid, but the team still felt the need to create competition. That decision, it turns out, was spot on.
Stevens Steps Up with a Powerful Leg and Accuracy
The Commanders clearly had a plan when they brought in undrafted free agent Drew Stevens. And man, did he make the most of his shot. This kid showed up with a powerful leg and has proven to be accurate. We’re talking about him converting a 41-yarder and even hitting a longer extra point after a penalty backed them up. Those are the clutch moments you look for. According to Commanders radio host Grant Paulsen, Stevens has been lights out in practice, connecting on 43 of 48 attempts. He did have one rough day, but crucially, Moody also struggled that same day. Outside of that single blip, Stevens has been incredibly solid. That kind of consistency and calm under pressure is exactly what you need from your kicker, especially a rookie pushing for a spot.
The Commanders are rolling with rookie kicker Drew Stevens, and action has made that clear. It’s an early, decisive move during this crucial pre-season stretch, showing exactly where their confidence lies. For now, the kicker job belongs to the rookie, and this story will surely be updated as the season gets closer.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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