49ers special teams has been shaky so far in preseason, with rookie kicker Jake Moody at the center of the conversation.
Moody hit the game-winner in Saturday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos but missed from 40 yards and 58 yards in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. Muffed kicks and fumbled returns have also been a problem, while usually reliable punter Mitch Wishnowsky shanked a bad punt Saturday.
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Should 49ers fans be concerned about the unit heading into the regular season? On the latest 49ers Webzone “No Huddle” podcast, Al Sacco and Brian Renick discussed the recent problems on special teams.
With the 49ers using their No. 99 overall pick on Moody in this year’s draft, there’s been a lot more scrutiny and attention on the kicker, who also missed an extra point Saturday.
“I’ve fought with my co-hosts, I’ve fought with people online, I’ve put my reputation out there to defend this pick,” Renick said in an open message to Moody. “And you are really kinda kicking me in the balls right now with your performance (Saturday) night against the Raiders. Now, kudos for making the game-winning field goal, but you almost missed that one too. … I am still in your corner, but barely. Alright, man. Let’s do this – me and you, Jake. Ride or die.”
For Sacco, the issue is bigger than Moody.
“My stock down, he’s included in it,” Sacco said. “But it’s just the whole f–king special teams group for me, man. I don’t know what (special teams coach Brian) Schneider’s group is doing. Even Wishnowsky is duffing kicks off his foot. We can’t make a field goal. Everything’s been an adventure with Moody. Everything. Which is scary as hell. I’ll tell you what, Brian. I don’t think their returner is on their roster. I think they’re gonna go out and get somebody.”
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