As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Tuesday, No. 23 was safety, Darrick Forrest.
We continue our countdown today with No. 22, punter Tress Way.
It’s not often a punter is one of your team’s most important players. But Washington punter Tress Way isn’t your average punter. Way is entering his 10th season with Washington in 2023. Last season, Way made his second Pro Bowl, which is amazing considering the success he’s enjoyed over the last decade.
Let’s talk about why Way is important to the Commanders.
First, for a team so reliant on defense and questionable offense in recent years, Way is often an excellent weapon. When the offense struggled to move the ball, Way has often booted them out of trouble.
Last season, Way punted 83 times and landed 37 of those punts inside the 20-yard line. He landed almost 45% of his punts inside the 20-yard line.
In 2018, Way punted 79 times. He landed 41 inside the 20, an average of almost 52%. That’s an incredible number. For his career, Way averages 47 yards per punt, with a net average of 41.5 yards. Over 37% of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line.
For his career, Way has had two punts blocked. The last one was in 2015. Distance, hang time, lack of explosive returns, etc., you name every metric, and Way is at or near the top.
You can ask Washington’s coaches or Way’s teammates, and they’d tell you how critical he is to the Commanders. Fortunately, Washington hasn’t had to do without Way over the years, as he’s missed only one game in 10 years.
Way remains one of Washington’s most important players in 2023.
