Rookie Kicker Jake Moody gears up for Super Bowl 58
The road to Super Bowl glory is fraught with pressure, but for rookie kicker Jake Moody of the San Francisco 49ers, it could be the opportunity to shine on sports' biggest stage. As the 49ers gear up for the Super Bowl 58, Moody's contribution could prove to be a pivotal component in their quest for the Lombardi Trophy.
In his 2023 season, Moody demonstrated commendable accuracy, managing to hit 84 percent of his attempted field goals. While solid for a rookie, it's worth noting that he has faced challenges, missing at least one field goal in the last three games he has played. In contrast, one of his would-be adversaries from the Kansas City Chiefs, Harrison Butker, boasts a remarkable 94.3 percent success rate in the same season. Despite the stats, it’s the performance on the day that counts, and all eyes will be on Moody to see if he can rise to the occasion.
Rookies in the Super Bowl
It’s not unusual for rookie kickers to find themselves in the hot seat during the Super Bowl. In fact, Moody is the 12th rookie kicker to participate in the event. History hints at a peculiar trend: rookie kickers tend to outperform their more experienced counterparts in the Super Bowl, with a success rate of 88.2 percent compared to the latter's 73.2 percent. It's a trend that rookies like Evan McPherson, who posted an 84.8 percent field goal accuracy in 2021, and Jake Elliott, known for setting records in Super Bowl games, have contributed to.
Furthermore, it is a little-known fact that eight out of the ten rookie kickers improved their accuracy during the Super Bowl, exemplified by Justin Tucker's flawless performance in Super Bowl XLVII. For Moody, these statistics offer a vision of hope, illustrating that debutants can, and often do, excel under the brightest of lights.
However, there is a historical weight specifically for a 49er’s rookie that Moody will look to lift: the last miss by a rookie kicker in the Super Bowl also came from a 49er, almost three decades ago. The team and its fans will be hoping history does not repeat itself in this instance.
Moody’s Confidence Intact
Despite any external doubt, Moody remains unfazed by the enormity of the situation. His confidence is no doubt bolstered by his experience in the 2023 College Football Playoff, where he successfully kicked a 59-yard field goal. Moody is of the mindset that the environment, although on a much grander scale, doesn't change the basics of his task.
“I’ve been in a bunch of big games, whether it’s been in college or the NFL now, going through the playoffs. I feel like I’m prepared for it,” Moody asserted, as reported by NFL.com. He maintains that the best approach is to stick to his regular routine: “It’s the same kick; Just trust the routine, trust the process. It’s no different than any other kick,” he added.
Moody's philosophy extends to his view on kicking in the NFL compared to college football. “It’s no different than in college,” he claimed. “The posts are the same size. Ball is the same. Holder and snapper are just as good, if not better in the NFL.”
Preseason Setbacks to Super Bowl Spotlight
Like many before him, Moody’s path to the Super Bowl spotlight wasn't without its initial stumbles. During a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium, the kicker missed both of his attempts, from 40 and 58 yards, respectively. These early setbacks, however, have seemingly only strengthened his resolve and focus for the ultimate test of his budding NFL career.
Moody has also had the benefit of playoff experience in his first NFL season, which he believes has prepared him for the pressures of the Super Bowl. It's an opportunity for him to make a statement, to prove that he can handle the mantle of a Super Bowl kicker and maybe even etch his name in the annals of 49ers’ history.
As the game approaches, the question on many fans’ minds is whether Moody can harness his self-assuredness and college accomplishments into a performance worthy of a Super Bowl champion. With more than 100 million viewers anticipated to tune in, Moody's leg has the potential to write a story of rookie success or one of lessons learned. Whichever the outcome, his kicks will undoubtedly be critical to the fate of the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58.