nbcsports
In his first NFL season, New York Giants rookie kicker Dominic Zvada has connected on just a portion of his field goal attempts, missing six through nine games. The latest miss came on Thursday night, a 33-yard try in the first quarter of a game that ultimately ended in a 24-21 defeat to the Washington Commanders.
While the miss did not occur on the final play, it loomed large in a contest decided by a mere three points. Following the loss, Giants head coach John Harbaugh was asked about his confidence level in the young kicker.
Harbaugh responded with a measured defense of Zvada, emphasizing that patience is required with a rookie. "Yeah, we're confident," Harbaugh said. "You know, you can't just as soon as a guy doesn't make a play, I mean, start firing people left and right. Especially your kicker who's a rookie."
He continued: "So I'm confident that he's gonna become a good kicker. I mean, if at some point in time, it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. But I'm not gonna panic, you know, halfway through the season when the guy who's made a bunch of kicks, if that's what you're inferring we should be doing. So, you know, I mean, we're just not gonna knee-jerk it like that."
Harbaugh made it clear that the team remains committed to Zvada's development. "He's gonna make kicks. He's gonna make a lot of kicks, I believe in him. I think he's really good, really talented. And we're gonna give him an opportunity to do it. It's up to him to do it."
Key Analysis
Harbaugh's stance is a reasonable one for a player still adjusting to the professional game. However, the kicker position carries a singular responsibility: making kicks, especially from distances that are typically automatic. If Zvada continues to miss attempts he should convert, questions about his job security will inevitably arise. For now, Harbaugh is offering public support, but the leash may shorten if the misses persist.
Originally reported by nbcsports.