49ers fans should be 'Moody' about regular-season finale loss to Rams

49ers mistakes from kicker Jake Moody ultimately tilted the score against San Francisco in Week 18 versus the Rams.

Despite the San Francisco 49ers' already having clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Niners gave up a very winnable game versus their divisional and in-state rivals, the Los Angeles Rams.

The 49ers closed out the 2023 regular season having lost two of their last three games.
Both of those losses were at Levi Stadium and against playoff teams.

Star names like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and others sat to rest. As such, Sam Darnold took over center at quarterback.

He completed 16 of his 26 attempts for 189 yards and a touchdown while rushing in another. Darnold did not throw any interceptions but lost one of his two fumbles, and it came in the waning minutes of the game when San Francisco was trying to retake the lead.

Darnold and running back Elijah Mitchell each had a rushing touchdown in the first half. Wide receiver Ronnie Bell would make a catch in the end zone in the second quarter.

After entering the half, the 49ers could not put any more points on the board, though. They were up 20-7 at that point.

The Rams added a touchdown in each quarter of the second half. including a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter to give Los Angeles the lead for good.

Rooke kicker Jake Moody missed another field goal Sunday. His kick from 38 yards out barely missed as it hit the upright.

Moody also missed the extra point on the next possession to close out the first half. This was his only missed PAT all season.

During the three-game losing streak, Moody missed three field goals in the two away games. Moody miffed a pair in the two-point loss at the Cleveland Browns (also a playoff team) and one in the five-point loss at Minnesota against the Vikings.

It is crucial in wrapping up the season to rest players before a bye or heading into the playoffs. However, sometimes it is equally important to not give a potential playoff opponent any confidence or momentum against you as they enter the postseason, too.

In addition to Moody costing San Francisco those four points, the lost fumble came on the 49ers' last possession by Darnold. The blunder sealed the Niners' fate in this contest.

If Niners fans want to see their squad return to the Super Bowl (and win it), the costly gaffes and missed points from Moody must come to an end.

Otherwise, it will be San Francisco's postseason campaign that will.

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