By Tarik El-Bashir
CSNwashington.com
Through two preseason games, the Redskins’ kicking competition has yet to gain any traction.
Neil Rackers is 1 for 2 on field goals – both attempts coming in Chicago – and Graham Gano still is waiting for his first shot at one.
“It’s just how the rotation works,” Gano said, shrugging. “We’ve got a couple more games left, so I’m sure we’ll get some opportunities.”
Gano is trying to fend off Rackers, who was signed in the offseason to challenge him. Rackers connected from 28 yards and missed from 54 against the Bears.
In practice last week, it appeared Rackers had gained an edge over the incumbent. Rackers went 9 for 9 in a head-to-head kicking competition, while Gano missed four attempts, including one from 32 yards.
Frustrated but undeterred, Gano studied the film and made the necessary adjustments. In the next head-to-head competition, Gano was perfect, making all five of his attempts. Rackers, meantime, missed twice, from 30 and 37 yards.
Gano wouldn’t reveal what the flaw in his mechanics was, but he said Tuesday that it’s fixed and now he’s ready to show what he can do in games.
Provided, of course, the Redskins get into field goal range when it’s his turn to kick.
“It was definitely frustrating at the time,” Gano said. “It was an easy fix. You look at the film and you go, ‘Wow, I can’t believe that happened. You learn from it, fix it and move on.”
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