After saying that they were not going to make a kicking change this week, Washington made a kicking change this week. The Football Team signed Joey Slye, who was recently released by the San Francisco 49ers. The WFT released Chris Blewitt, who had more success as an internet meme than he did on the football field.
Not that surprising a move, and almost necessary given the kicking issues in the last two outings.
Regardless, Coach Ron Rivera still stated with great conviction that Blewitt would not be replaced this week.
Right before replacing him.
As is sometimes the case in the business of sports.
Recapping The SNAFU
The grass is always greener on the other side.
An old cliché, but all too apt a description for Washington’s kicking woes.
If somehow you missed the fun, here is how the Football Team got themselves into the dilemma in the first place.
On October 20th, Washington quietly released long-time kicker Dustin Hopkins. Was he struggling? Yes and no. He was a very acceptable 12-for-14 on field-goal attempts, but was 9-for-12 on extra-point attempts. Obviously that isn’t the rock solid performance you want out of your kicker, but Hopkins was a proven veteran. It seemed relatively surprising when he was released.
To replace Hopkins, Washington signed a completely unproven entity in Blewitt. He had zero NFL kicking experience, but had been a good kicker at Pittsburgh University. Five years ago.
It didn’t go as well as they hoped.
In two games, he actually had more field goals blocked, than he kicked. That must be some sort of record or at least footnote worthy stat somewhere.
Three blocked field goals in two games seems like an anomaly that may have only happened once. Let alone in a guy’s first five attempts.
For Comparison’s Sake
Slye is 11-for-13 on field goals in 2021. Those numbers are split between three games with the Houston Texans to start the year, and then three with the 49ers. The 49ers let him got after he’d kicked 7 of his 8 field goal attempts. He did miss two-out-of-four point after attempts in San Fran though.
He missed one in Houston as well.
In fact, Slye is 9-of-12 on point after attempts. Exactly the same statistic that cost Dustin Hopkins his job.
You can’t make this stuff up.
So Washington got rid of a 7-year veteran because he had gone 9-for-12 on point afters, for a new guy who has gone 9-for-12 on point afters.
Oh, and in the process have already had two games of complete kicking uncertainty thanks to the moves.
He Blewitt
It’s quite probable that you never see Chris Blewitt on an NFL football field again.
What a legacy.
At least he can tell his grandkids that he kicked a 50+ yard field goal in an NFL game.
And was a perfect 2-for-2 on point after attempts.