Graham Gano isn’t making any excuses for missing a 30-yard field goal Sunday afternoon against the New York Giants — his 11th miss of the season.
He did, however, point out that the wrong ball was put in the game by the officials.
“I know the refs didn’t have the right ball in the game,” Gano explained in the locker room following the Redskins 17-14 loss. “They had a flat, I think it was a quarterback ball. I’m not going to use that as a crutch because I missed the field goal.”
Mike Shanahan said that he thought the young kicker’s problems were of the mental variety.
“You can’t miss a field goal at that length,” said Shanahan. “It’s gotta be mental. It’s not physical… That mindset has got to be very, very strong if you’re going to be a kicker in this league.”
Shanahan previously stated that he and the coaching staff will spend the next two weeks evaluating talent for next season and preparing for free agency and ultimately the NFL Draft.
A casual fan could conclude the Redskins will certainly be taking a hard look at the kicking position and Gano agrees.
“I hope so,” Gano said when asked if he thought the Redskins will bring him back next season. “I’m looking forward to playing. I know I’m going to get better. I know what I’m capable of. I’m sure if I am there will be competition, but I’ve always handled competition well. It only makes me better.”
