Particle.news

Zvada’s 62-Yard Kick Tilts Giants’ Kicker Contest

Coaches say his range and perfect practice day matter because Saturday’s preseason opener will give the first true look at who can deliver consistent, in-game kicks.

Overview

  • Following Wednesday’s practice, undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada made every attempt that day including a 62-yard, game-ending field-goal simulation and is being viewed as the favorite for the job.
  • Incumbent Ben Sauls went 5-for-6 in the same session and missed a 45-yard attempt, which has weakened his standing despite his prior in-game success with the Giants.
  • Head coach John Harbaugh praised both legs but stressed that repeatable, straight kicks matter more than raw distance when choosing a kicker.
  • Saturday’s preseason opener against Minnesota is the first real game-pressure chance for both players and coaches plan to use live reps and kickoff work to evaluate accuracy, hang time, and placement.
  • If Zvada sustains accuracy in live game conditions he could unseat Sauls, but coaches will weigh Sauls’ NFL experience and kickoff reliability before making a final roster decision.