The New York Giants need a reliable kicker, and the answer looks like it’s arrived early. Dominic Zvada has effectively won the job before the pads even go on. While veteran Jason Sanders and holdover Ben Sauls entered the mix, the results speak for themselves. Sanders struggled in the wind at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. The team cut him quickly after he failed to show consistency. This left a clear path for the rookie to take over.
Zvada’s Perfect Minicamp Run
Zvada made every single kick during the mandatory minicamp sessions. He converted all 13 of his attempts without a single miss. In contrast, Ben Sauls missed six field goals in that same camp. Per Big Blue View, Sauls went just 8 of 14 on field-goal attempts during the minicamp. That is a massive gap in performance between the two competitors. Zvada showed zero hesitation while Sauls looked erratic. The data points directly to one winner.
Even before minicamp, Sauls had a rough spring. He went 6 of 12 on kicks ranging from 33 to 47 yards in one OTA. That is a terrible success rate for a veteran trying to keep his job. Zvada has been the only consistent option all spring. The Giants clearly see the difference in the numbers. They don’t need a long competition to see who is better.
Harbaugh’s Technical Take
Head coach John Harbaugh refuses to say the race is over yet. He believes the real competition starts at training camp. Harbaugh noted that Sauls’ misses were all pushed to the left. According to Big Blue View, Harbaugh called this a “good problem to have.” He claims Sauls knows the technical fix and just needs to lock it in. But knowing the fix and making the kick are two different things. Zvada is already making them.
Sauls had a great three-game stretch last season. He went 8 of 8 on field goals and 7 of 7 on extra points. He even called that run “pretty fantastic.” Quarterback Jaxson Dart loved his work during that time. Yet that past success doesn’t matter now. Zvada is performing at a higher level right this second. The team can’t afford to wait for a correction.
The Path Forward
Zvada enters training camp with a massive lead. It would take a miracle for Sauls to catch up. If Sauls struggles early, the Giants should move on immediately. They could add a veteran to push Zvada, but the rookie is the favorite. The Giants cut Sanders because he didn’t fit the conditions at MetLife Stadium. They need someone who can handle the wind and the cold. Zvada has shown he can handle it.
The Giants have a history of kicking issues. They need a solution that works from day one. Zvada offers that stability. The stats from Big Blue View confirm he’s the better choice. The coaching staff might drag their feet, but the performance tells the truth. Zvada has won the job. The rest of camp is just a formality.
Do you think the Giants should stick with Zvada all season, or bring in another veteran to compete? Let us know in the comments.
