SANTA CLARA — John Lynch shares Kyle Shanahan’s support for 49ers kicker Jake Moody, at least for now.
The general manager/president of football operations and head coach spoke to local Bay Area media Wednesday, and Lynch reiterated Shanahan’s belief in their kicker that was expressed just a few days prior. Moody missed a point after touchdown attempt in the 49ers’ preseason finale last weekend, and Shanahan appeared understanding.
“Jake had a really good preseason,” Lynch said Wednesday. “I found it interesting after having a hell of a game in Las Vegas that a lot of people still have questions, and I guess that when you have a season like he did last year, those things are going to be there until you put them away.”
The 49ers brought in veteran Greg Joseph to compete with Moody, their 2023 third-round draft pick, this offseason. After injuries started to pile up for the team, the 49ers released Joseph to make room for players at other positions.
“Anyone who says it wasn’t a competition, I don’t really agree,” Lynch said. “The special teams coaches are always charting everything, so you see what you see in front of everyone and then they are doing things to the side.”
Moody missed one of his six PAT attempts in three preseason outings and a 53-yard field-goal attempt. That normally wouldn’t incite a fanbase’s ire, but the kicker’s 2024 NFL season performance could be affecting their opinion.
In 2024, Moody missed only one of his PAT attempts but missed a whopping 10 field-goal tries. The Michigan product, known for his leg power, made all 14 of his attempts from 20-39 yards away but missed five from 40-49 yards and an additional five from 50 and beyond.
The 49ers did not help Moody’s situation out at all as he made his way back from a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 5 of the 2024 season. The kicker never was placed on injured reserve and returned to the field four weeks later in Week 10, missing three of his six field goal attempts that game.
“We have a lot of belief in him and understand that last year was rough, but that happens in guys’ careers,” Lynch said. “Our confidence and belief in him is what we see out here. But I will say everything is earned in this league, and everyone has got to prove it each and every game, each and every year, and Jake understands that.”
Moody did not attempt any kicks during the open portion of practice on Wednesday, and might not be seen by anyone but his teammates and coaches until the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 7 at Lumen Field.
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