San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed visible frustration after kicker Jake Moody missed a crucial third-quarter field goal during Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins—a play that may have significantly impacted the final outcome.
Kyle Shanahan was animated on the sideline after Jake Moody's miss 😬 pic.twitter.com/unDKnQoLzr
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) December 22, 2024
Following the game, Shanahan was asked about his confidence in Moody, the team's third-round draft pick from last year.
"I mean, it wasn't good out there missing that kick," Shanahan admitted. "I don't know exactly what happened on the snap and the hold, but that's one he's got to make."
While Shanahan has consistently defended Moody throughout the season, his tone in this instance suggests that an offseason reevaluation of the position might be on the table.
Moody made one of his two field goal attempts against the Dolphins, bringing his season total to 23-of-30. Notably, six of his seven misses have come since returning from a high-ankle sprain that sidelined him for three games earlier in the season.
Fan frustration
The 49ers' decision to use a third-round draft pick on a kicker was polarizing. With Moody's inconsistent performances, fan frustration has only grown.
We recently conducted a poll on social media, asking fans whether the 49ers should stick with Moody in 2025 or seek a replacement. As of this post, nearly 90% of voters favor moving on from the young kicker.
Should the #49ers stick with Jake Moody next year or search for another kicker?
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) December 22, 2024
Moody's struggles have fueled debates about whether the 49ers should consider exploring other options in the offseason to finally solidify the position.