Full Breakdown
Jake Moody's Kicking Struggles Raise Questions for 49ers
9/8/2025, 9:14:04 PM
Performance Overview: Moody's Missed Opportunities
In the San Francisco 49ers' narrow 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, 2025, kicker Jake Moody's performance was a focal point of concern. Moody missed two field-goal attempts inside 40 yards, marking a troubling continuation of his struggles from the previous season. His first miss, a 27-yard attempt, hit the left upright, while a second attempt from 36 yards was blocked. Moody did manage to convert a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, which tied the game at 10, and successfully made both extra-point attempts. However, his overall performance has raised questions about his job security.
Background: Moody's Rocky Tenure
Jake Moody, a third-round draft pick in 2023, initially gained recognition for his strong rookie season, converting 84% of his field-goal attempts and making history with two 50-plus-yard field goals in a Super Bowl. However, his performance took a downturn in 2024, where he missed ten field goals, including five from 40-49 yards and five from 50 yards or more. This decline prompted the 49ers to sign veteran kicker Greg Joseph during the offseason, although the team ultimately decided to retain Moody as their starting kicker for the 2025 season.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his support for Moody, stating, "No question" he would remain the team's kicker for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints. Shanahan acknowledged his disappointment in Moody's missed attempts but emphasized that the entire special teams unit needed improvement. He noted that the blocked kick was not solely Moody's fault, indicating issues with the team's protection. Shanahan's comments reflect a commitment to Moody despite the ongoing struggles.
Criticism & Opposition: Calls for Change
Despite Shanahan's support, former 49ers player Richard Sherman publicly questioned the team's decision to stick with Moody, suggesting that "kickers aren’t hard to find" and that there are many capable alternatives available. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding Moody's consistency and performance under pressure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Shanahan and players like Nick Bosa have publicly supported Moody, the ongoing scrutiny of his performance raises questions about the team's confidence in him. Reports indicate that Moody has missed six field goals over his last four games, which could lead to further evaluations of his position if his performance does not improve.
What's Next: Future Evaluations
As the 49ers prepare for their next matchup, the focus will remain on Moody's performance. The coaching staff will likely continue to assess his kicking ability closely, weighing the potential need for a change if he cannot regain his form. The situation poses a critical challenge for Shanahan and the 49ers as they strive to balance team morale with the necessity of maintaining a competitive edge in the league.
