Kyle Shanahan told reporters he still 'believes' in Jake Moody despite even more struggles, but how serious are the 49ers coach's comments?
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody might have crossed a threshold in the Week 16 loss at the Miami Dolphins, missing a 41-yard field-goal try during what was a one-score game at the point.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was visibly irate after the whiff, which led many to believe the Niners could no longer entertain keeping the 2023 third-round NFL Draft pick out of Michigan, who has struggled with consistency ever since going pro.
Plus, considering some within the locker room have made their Moody-related frustrations awfully clear (yes, you, Deebo Samuel), continuing to put faith in the kicker seems to be a failing proposition.
However, in a post-Week 16 press conference, Shanahan appeared to walk back his on-field frustrations and took to defend Moody, including a mention of the high-ankle sprain the specialist suffered earlier this season.
KYLE SHANAHAN ON JAKE MOODY:
— KNBR (@KNBR) December 26, 2024
"I believe he's gonna be our guy... Since he's come back [from the high ankle sprain to his kicking foot] he hasn't been as consistent, obviously, but I think a lot of that has to do with that." pic.twitter.com/nH4W5Grlln
"I believe he's gonna be our guy," Shanahan said when asked about Moody's future. "Everyone has to perform and things like that, but I think he has had a tough year. Before his high-ankle sprain, I think he missed one and was 12-of-13 before that, so I thought he was doing really well.
"But he had a high-ankle sprain to his kicking foot, and since he's come back, he hasn't been as consistent, obviously, but I think a lot of that probably has to do with that."
Shanahan also added how Moody is "real talented and made of the right stuff."
Indeed, it's a contrarian opinion when lined up against what many fans (and perhaps even some teammates) feel about Moody's future.
Is Kyle Shanahan being honest about Jake Moody?
Shanahan doesn't have to be fully honest about Moody right now. It'd be easy for the coach to give his kicker an endorsement while also weighing offseason options, such as bringing in some competition in training camp.
At the same time, Shanahan's point about the rarity of misses before the injury carries some weight. Nearly all of Moody's 2024 misses have been post injury, and San Francisco might not yet be at the point where it wants to admit it missed on another third-round draft investment, particularly on a kicker.
Although one can fairly question whether or not using such a prized draft asset on a specialist was a good idea in the first place.
It's important to remember Shanahan will guard his answers a lot, and the backing given to Moody should be taken at face value.
If the 49ers sign (or draft) another kicker this offseason, that'll be a true indication of where they stand with regard to the embattled specialist.