Jake Moody’s performance in the San Francisco 49ers’ narrow 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the focal point of Week 10, earning praise from quarterback Brock Purdy in his post-game conference.
Despite Moody’s struggles with accuracy during the game, his 11-point contribution, including a series of clutch field goals, proved essential in securing the victory. Moody’s role in the game has reignited the discussion around the importance of a reliable kicker in close NFL matchups.
The game against the Buccaneers showcased both sides of Moody’s skill set—his ability to deliver under pressure and the inconsistency that has sometimes plagued his 2024 season. Though Purdy threw two touchdown passes to put the 49ers in a competitive position, it was Moody’s kicks that ultimately kept San Francisco ahead in the critical final minutes. After the win, Purdy shared high praise, noting that Moody’s resilience and determination have been evident in practice and prior games. He emphasized that the kicker has been growing from his mistakes and learning how to deliver in high-stakes moments.
However, Moody’s performance wasn’t flawless. He missed multiple field goals in this game, including two attempts from beyond 40 yards and a long-range shot from over 50 yards. These misses, totaling six for the season, marked a new high for him this year in a single game. The missteps didn’t go unnoticed, and the kicker himself acknowledged the need to tighten up his accuracy, particularly from mid-range distances that have often made or broken tight games in the league.
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In a lighter moment, 49ers tight end George Kittle took part of the blame for Moody’s first miss of the game. Known for his charismatic personality, Kittle admitted that he broke his five-year streak of not watching field goals, only to witness Moody’s miss on his initial attempt. Kittle jokingly apologized, “This is my fault… I have issues, man. I’m sorry,” adding some humor to what had been a tense performance.
George Kittle hasn't watched field goals for five years, but for some reason he watched Jake Moody's first kick today… 😬
— KNBR (@KNBR) November 10, 2024
"I stood up and I watched and Jake missed the first one, and I was like, what am I doing? This is my fault… I have issues man I'm sorry." pic.twitter.com/7WSD1WN90R
Moody’s contributions against Tampa Bay underscore a season that has had both ups and downs. Through Week 10, Moody has posted three games where he scored 10 or more points, ranking this game against the Buccaneers as his third-best of the season. His top performance came in Week 1, where he racked up 20 points against the Jets, followed by a solid 12-point showing against the New England Patriots. With four perfect games and only two marred by missed kicks, Moody’s season has largely been defined by consistency and critical scoring under pressure.
Another milestone from Moody’s 2024 season came against Tampa Bay, where he recorded his second-longest kick of the year, nailing a 44-yarder that fell just short of his 53-yard career high achieved back in Week 1. While the multiple misses were a new challenge for him, Moody’s response on the field reflected a seasoned kicker’s mentality. He shook off the early setbacks to contribute crucial points, showcasing his resilience and focus in tight situations.
For the 49ers, the win over the Buccaneers bolsters their playoff positioning, and Moody’s ability to perform when it counts has been pivotal in close games. Despite some setbacks, his confidence hasn’t wavered, and his teammates continue to believe in his potential. In a season filled with close calls and high-pressure moments, the 49ers’ faith in Moody seems well-placed.
As the season progresses, the 49ers will need Moody’s best performances, especially in key matchups that may come down to a field goal. He has proven he can step up when needed, and while the missed kicks against Tampa Bay may fuel some criticism, his overall record speaks to his ability to learn, adjust, and deliver.
With playoff hopes rising, Moody’s journey will remain one to watch.
