As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for Super Bowl 58, the spotlight isn't solely on their star quarterback or dynamic receivers—attention is also shining on rookie kicker Jake Moody. Moody, whose impressive performance throughout the 2023 season has caught the eyes of fans and analysts alike, could be a significant factor in the game's outcome. With an accuracy rate of 84 percent, he's been a reliable asset to the 49ers' special teams.
Despite the fact that Moody has missed at least one field goal in his last three games, confidence in his abilities remains high. This steadfast belief in his skill is crucial, especially when considering the seasoned expertise of Kansas City Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker, who boasted a dazzlingly high success rate of 94.3 percent in the 2023 season. Moody's recent performances will surely be put through the microscope as he faces off against such an experienced opponent.
Rookie Resilience in the Big Game
Jake Moody is not the first rookie kicker to make it to the Super Bowl; he’s the twelfth. The history books show that rookie kickers have appeared in the NFL's biggest game on 11 previous occasions, with a collective success rate of 88.2 percent in those Super Bowl appearances. This statistic is pleasantly surprising when juxtaposed with the 73.2 percent success rate of kickers who are not in their rookie season. It suggests that, quite often, rookie kickers find an extra gear when the spotlight is brightest.
"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," said Moody, according to a quote on NFL.com. His time in college also seems to have provided a sturdy foundation; he made waves in the 2023 College Football Playoff by kicking a 59-yard field goal, a feat that few in the game can claim.
Staying Grounded Under Pressure
There is a towering pressure that comes with performing in the Super Bowl, surrounded by more than 100 million viewers. For a rookie, this pressure can be overwhelming. Yet, Moody remains undaunted by the mammoth task ahead. He attributes his calm demeanor to his experience in high-stakes situations and maintains a laser focus on the task, not the stage. "It's the same kick; Just trust the routine, trust the process. It's no different than any other kick," he said, adding further, "It's no different than in college. The posts are the same size. The ball is the same. The holder and snapper are just as good, if not better in the NFL."
This level-headed approach is indicative of Moody's preparation and experience. His debut performance in the NFL may have been less than ideal, as he missed both his attempts from 40 and 58 yards during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium. However, Moody didn't allow this initial setback to define his season, displaying an upward trajectory leading up to the Super Bowl.
Historical Performance of Rookie Kickers
When looking at Moody's predecessors, Cincinnati Bengals' Evan McPherson achieved an 84.8 percent field goal success rate in 2021, echoing Moody's current season stats. Jake Elliott is another name that resounds in the annals of Super Bowl lore—he tied the record for most field goals without a miss in Super Bowl games. Importantly, eight out of the ten rookie kickers preceding Moody improved their field goal accuracy in the Super Bowl compared to their regular season, suggesting that Moody has favorable odds to do the same.
Justin Tucker, revered by many as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, had a 100 percent success rate in Super Bowl XLVII during his time as a rookie. This stands as a testament to what rookie kickers can achieve in high-pressure moments—setting a benchmark that Moody is undoubtedly aiming to meet. The last miss by a rookie kicker in the Super Bowl was almost 30 years ago, and not since then has a rookie failed to meet the moment.
Conclusion
As Super Bowl 58 looms on the horizon, all eyes will be on Jake Moody to see if he can deliver for the 49ers. While his recent games may have been marred by misses, history favors rookies in his position to rise to the occasion. With his college and post-season NFL experience, coupled with a rock-solid mindset, Moody may very well kick his way into Super Bowl history as another rookie who stood tall when it mattered most.