Jake Moody’s Struggles and Kyle Shanahan’s Decision for the 49ers’ Season Finale

Kyle Shanahan’s Decision to Move Forward with Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan made a bold decision this Tuesday, announcing on a conference call with Bay Area reporters that rookie kicker Jake Moody would handle the kicking duties in the team’s season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. While Moody was selected as the kicker for the future, his performance this season has raised concerns that could affect the team’s chances in this crucial game.

A Series of Missed Opportunities

Jake Moody’s struggles have been evident in recent weeks. The rookie kicker has missed three of his last four field goal attempts dating back to Week 16 in Miami. His performance against the Detroit Lions this past Monday night was particularly troubling, as he missed two field goals and an extra point, ultimately costing the 49ers seven points in a game they lost by a narrow six-point margin. Many believe that had Moody made those kicks, the 49ers could have come out on top in the contest.

The Case for Replacing Moody

The question now arises: Can the 49ers afford to continue with Moody as their kicker? It’s not uncommon to find competent kickers, and it’s likely there is someone available on a practice squad who could perform at a higher level than Moody has shown this season. With a field goal percentage of just 71.4%, Moody ranks a dismal 33rd in the NFL. This statistic places him among the worst starting kickers in the league and raises concerns about his ability to contribute to the team’s success in high-pressure situations.

A Critical Game for the 49ers

With the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals set to take place this Sunday, the 49ers have everything to play for. Shanahan, known for his strategic coaching, will need to ensure that his team is in the best possible position to secure a win. If the 49ers are serious about making a statement and closing the season with a victory, Shanahan should consider benching Moody in favor of a more reliable kicker. Bringing in a new kicker for the season finale would not only make sense from a football standpoint, but it would also show the players and fans that Shanahan is committed to winning at all costs.

The High Stakes of Kicking Game

The kicker position in football is often overlooked, but it can have a profound impact on the outcome of games, particularly in close matchups. The 49ers’ recent loss to the Lions highlighted the potential consequences of missed kicks. With playoff aspirations on the line, it’s essential that the team’s kicker can be trusted in critical moments. As long as Moody remains the starting kicker, there’s a real risk that the rest of the team’s hard work could be undermined by a few crucial mistakes.

A Message of Seriousness and Commitment to Winning

If Kyle Shanahan wants to send a clear message to his players that he is serious about winning, he should seriously consider making a change at kicker. Allowing Moody to attempt another kick this season — or possibly ever again for the 49ers — could send the wrong message about the team’s commitment to success. Shanahan’s focus needs to be on winning, and making the necessary adjustments in the kicking game is an important step in that direction. Whether it’s a temporary or permanent change, Shanahan should be willing to do whatever it takes to secure the victory in the season finale, and beyond.