29 August, Thursday, 2024
No menu items!
HomeSourcesmirror.co.ukSan Francisco 49ers coach defends kicker as nightmare start draws brutal comparison

San Francisco 49ers coach defends kicker as nightmare start draws brutal comparison

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stuck up for rookie kicker Jake Moody after he missed two field goal attempts during a rough preseason outing against the Las Vegas Raiders

The San Francisco 49ers made the audacious choice to pick Jake Moody in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft – far earlier than teams usually select kickers. So far, so bad: Moody’s terrible first preseason outing on Sunday has drawn unwanted comparisons to Roberto Aguayo, the last kicker taken so early, as he missed both of his field goal attempts.

Aguayo, a second-round pick in 2016, infamously finished his rookie season with the worst conversion rate in the NFL and was cut the next year. San Francisco wants to avoid such a disappointing outcome with Moody.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan defended the Michigan graduate after the 34-7 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, hoping to restore some confidence following errant attempts from 40 and 58 yards. “I’m not [concerned],” Shanahan said. “It’s unfortunate because I know the pressure on him and everyone’s looking. And I know he missed those two today. He’s been great in practice. He’s hit them all.”

On the 58-yard attempt, Shanahan added: “I was just excited to attempt a long one. Which was fun. Until it was missed.”

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Recent Comments