Washington’s decision to release longtime kicker Dustin Hopkins in favor of the inexperienced Chris Blewitt is already coming back to bite them.
Blewitt had never kicked in the NFL and hadn’t kicked in a game since he was in college in 2016 at the University of Pittsburgh. On Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, Blewitt’s first ever field goal attempt went awry.
The FG is BLOCKED!#WASvsGB | #GoPackGo
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 24, 2021
FOX pic.twitter.com/9IkjX8adcZ
His 42-yard attempt was blocked by Packers rookie TJ Slanton, keeping the score tied at 7-7 in the second quarter.
Unfortunately, his surname lends itself to puns of Chris Blewitt, well blew it.
Chris Blewitt from 42… oof. Blocked.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 24, 2021
WFT fans to Chris Blewitt right now. pic.twitter.com/84yewSJKYG
— theScore (@theScore) October 24, 2021
Washington’s special teams came back and blocked a Mason Crosby field goal attempt on the ensuing possession. That allowed Washington’s offense to get back to the Packers’ 27-yard line — nearly the same spot as Blewitt’s blocked field goal.
However, Washington head coach Ron Rivera showed his level of trust in his new kicker, electing to go for a 4th-and-3. Taylor Heinicke’s pass to Terry McLaurin was broken up by Eric Stokes forcing the turnover on downs.
Ron hates scoring. Does he already not trust Blewitt?
— Washington Realm (@WashingtonRealm) October 24, 2021
Surely this is not a good look already for Washington’s kicking change. There wasn’t much of a debate of releasing Hopkins. But the choice of Blewitt was puzzling. Just one half into the switch, seems like Washington’s kicking issues remain.
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