Former Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff doesn't need to be reminded about last year's AFC Championship game.
He will never forget that.
The scoreboard confusion that led to chaos on the visiting sideline. The field goal unit rushing out on the field as the clock ticked down toward zero.
The snap, the hold, and the wide-left miss from 32 yards. The six months of scrutiny from local and national media, leading to a training camp battle just two years removed from his All-Pro season.
All of that was washed away Tuesday morning, when Cundiff got a call from head coach Mike Shanahan. The Redskins had already settled their kicking competition, but considered Cundiff an upgrade, and were willing to make a move.
Although Cundiff's confidence had never waivered, this was just the validation he needed.
"It was great to have a team come up right away and say that they wanted my services that they were going to make a move," Cundiff said yesterday. "Obviously, that's a big pat on the back. For me it's a big confidence booster."
Cundiff had a strong preseason in Baltimore, starting the first two games. He went two-for-two on field goals with a long of 44, and made one extra point. He also averaged 66.75 yards on his four kickoffs, averaged 17.5 yards on two returns.
"I have all the confidence in the world after my training camp, I thought I kicked very well," he said. "But it's nice to know that if one team doesn't need me, another team came calling right away."
In Washington, Cundiff will be handed the starting job without competition, and feels peace of mind that his family doesn't have to move far. He will also benefit from playing with one of the best kickoff coverage teams in the NFL.
"I couldn't have asked for an easier situation, move wise, but I think the biggest thing is football," he said. "I wanted to go to a place where the special teams coach is going to value my services.
"I think that this organization is the best fit in this case."
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