Missed opportunities plague the San Francisco 49ers as kicker Jake Moody’s struggles continue. Following two critical missed field goals in the team’s narrow Week 1 victory against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, 2025, questions are mounting about how long the organization will remain patient with the young kicker.
Moody’s Costly Errors
The most recent setback occurred during the game against the Seahawks when Moody, the 49ers’ third-round draft pick from 2023, missed a 27-yard field goal attempt. According to game reports, the kick bounced off the left upright, preventing the 49ers from taking a 10-7 lead into halftime. Seattle subsequently capitalized on this error, with Jason Myers successfully converting a 48-yard field goal, giving the Seahawks a 10-7 lead at the break.
Further compounding the issue, Moody’s 36-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter was blocked by Seattle’s Julian Love. These special teams miscues underscore a concerning trend for the 49ers. “No words,” said Head Coach Kyle Shanahan to Fox Sports’ Pam Oliver immediately following the game, clearly frustrated with the special teams performance.
A History of Inconsistency
Moody’s struggles are not isolated incidents. His performance throughout the 2024 season raised significant concerns, converting just over 70 percent of his field-goal attempts. According to team statistics, he was particularly challenged from longer distances, making only 6 of 11 attempts from 40 yards or more. Many analysts believe that these missed kicks cost the 49ers crucial victories during the season.
Prior to the Week 1 game, Moody had demonstrated accuracy on shorter attempts, converting 16 of 16 attempts under 30 yards and 29 of 30 inside 40 yards. This track record made the 27-yard miss against Seattle all the more alarming.
Shanahan’s Stance: Wavering Trust?
Despite his visible frustration during the game, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan publicly voiced his support for Moody. In the post-game press conference, Shanahan stated that there was “no question” that Moody would remain the 49ers’ kicker for the Week 2 game against New Orleans. However, Shanahan acknowledged his disappointment, particularly with the missed short field goal.
Shanahan also pointed out that the blocked kick involved a breakdown in protection, suggesting that the blame should not solely fall on Moody. Despite this public backing, Shanahan’s actions during the game indicated a possible wavering in his trust. He opted to go for it on fourth down twice rather than sending Moody out for another field goal attempt. Defensive end Nick Bosa also voiced his support for Moody, a potential sign of internal concern for the kicker’s confidence.
The Pressure Mounts
The repeated missed kicks are having a tangible impact on the 49ers. They are creating anxiety among players, coaches, and the fanbase, and raising concerns about the team’s ability to secure close games and achieve their championship aspirations. As noted by several sports news outlets, the pressure on Moody to perform consistently will only intensify in the coming weeks.
Contingency Plans and Potential Replacements
The situation has prompted speculation that General Manager John Lynch may eventually need to consider alternative options. The name of veteran kicker Greg Joseph, who competed with Moody during the offseason, has resurfaced in discussions, according to reports from 49ers Webzone. The team had brought in Joseph for competition during the offseason, though Moody ultimately retained the job.
Impatience with Moody
The 49ers’ investment in Moody, a third-round draft pick, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Teams are typically more patient with players selected in the earlier rounds of the draft. However, the consistent struggles may force the 49ers to re-evaluate their commitment, especially if the missed kicks continue to cost them valuable points and potential victories.
Looking Ahead
While Shanahan is publicly supporting Moody, the kicker’s margin for error is shrinking. His performance in the upcoming games will be closely scrutinized, and any further missteps could lead to a change. The 49ers’ championship aspirations hinge on their ability to perform consistently in all facets of the game, including special teams. Moody’s ability to overcome his struggles and deliver reliable kicking will be critical to the team’s success.
The 49ers’ kicking situation remains a significant concern as they navigate the 2025 season. Jake Moody’s performance will be under intense scrutiny, and the team’s patience will be tested with each subsequent game. The ability to convert crucial field goals is essential for any team with championship aspirations, and the 49ers must find a solution to their kicking woes, whether it’s through Moody’s improvement or a change in personnel. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining Moody’s future with the team and the 49ers’ chances of achieving their ultimate goal.
