Shanahan sees Moody being kicker of future

49ERS

San Francisco 49ers place kicker Jake Moody looks up after missing a field goal during the second half against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla. LYNNE SLADKY — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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By Jerry McDonald

Bay Area News Group

SANTA CLARA >> Jake Moody missed another goal attempt in Week 17, setting social media and talk radio ablaze.

Time for the 49ers to get a new kicker, or at the very least some competition during training camp in 2025.

Not necessarily, even if coach Kyle Shanahan threw his tablet on the sidelines in frustration after Moody missed a 41-yard attempt in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

“I believe we’ve got the right guy,” Shanahan said Thursday as the 49ers (6-9) began preparations to host the Detroit Lions (13-2). “He’s showed that at times. I thought he showed that at times in his rookie year. I thought he showed that in being 12 of 13 to start the year and I think he’ll show that in the future.”But rest assured that Moody will be watched closely to see how he performs in the final two weeks of the season.

Moody is 23-for-30 on field goal attempts a 76.7 rate that’s unacceptable in today’s NFL, let alone for a kicker who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But all seven of his misses have been on the road -- one in Miami, two in Buffalo in the snow, three in Tampa Bay in the sunshine and one in Los Angeles.

Which apparently came as news to Moody.

“I actually didn’t know that,” Moody said. “That’s pretty interesting. I don’t think that necessarily has anything to do with it, being home or away. It’s just the misses, I’ve got to hit better kicks. It’s not any specific reason why I miss. I’ve just got to make sure I’m dialed in on my form.”

Moody is 15-for-15 in field goal attempts at home, starting off 6-for-6 in the opener against the New York Jets. But Moody sustained a high ankle sprain on his right kicking foot in Week 5 against Arizona, missing three games as the 49ers cycled through Matthew Wright (also injured on a kick return) and Anders Carlson.

“Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously,” Shanahan said. “I think a lot of it probably has to do with (the injury), just common-sense wise. Hopefully he can get to this offseason, heal up and find a stroke again.”

While the 49ers may bring another kicker into camp just for an extra leg, Shanahan didn’t sound as if he was looking to set up a competition for No. 1.

“I think you’ve got the wrong guy if you have to,” Shanahan said. “You do that when you don’t think you’re going to have a guy, but when those guys miss too much you go get a new one usually. And that’s what’s tough about the kicker position.”