They were two words on a sponsor's banner draped behind the Philadelphia Eagles' postgame podium: Imagine. Change.
When the Washington Redskins cut the cord with Graham Gano late in the preseason, they signaled the end of a young kicker experiment. They invested two-plus seasons in Gano's potential but jumped at Billy Cundiff when the Baltimore Ravens released the veteran.
In-season kicker tryouts have become so common for the Washington Redskins that they should be written into the schedule — like bye week. This year's tryouts will be held Tuesday, thanks to Billy Cundiff's second chip-shot miss in as many games, a 31-yarder that veered to the right against the Atlanta Falcons.
Nick Sundberg knew his left arm was broken, but it was up to Washington Redskins long snapper whether he'd stay in Sunday's game. He watched center Will Montgomery practicing long snaps on the sideline with holder Sav Rocca and his mind was made up.
Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan can look back and learn from his long afternoon last December against massive New England tight end Rob Gronkowski as he prepares to play another giant, New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham, on Sunday.
All you can ask of any NFL preseason game is that (a.) players who need the work get the work; and (b.) everybody emerges with with their limbs and faculties intact. Well, everybody important, at least.
Graham Gano's victory in the Redskins' kicking competition did not last long. A day after he beat out veteran challenger Neil Rackers, the team replaced him with veteran Billy Cundiff, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed.
A person familiar with the move says the Washington Redskins have released kicker Graham Gano and replaced him with Billy Cundiff.
Neil Rackers' release from the Washington Redskins seemed to indicate this was incumbent Graham Gano's job yet again. Monday's relief was gone 24 hours later.
