For about 30 minutes on Monday night, the Ninrs offense resembled the high powered machine it’s looked like for much of the past five seasons. The zone running, lethal play action passing, and comprehensive distribution had the NFC best Detroit Lions on their heels at Levi’s Stadium. This offense, of course, hasn’t been remotely close to that for almost the entirety of 2024. And in the second half, the same shortcomings that have plagued the Niners all year led to another loss. A previously unfathomable 10th of the season.
The result doesn’t sting as much for Niners fans. Not since the team was eliminated in the early part of December. But coming up short on national television against a championship contender is still a black eye. The list of issues continues to grow.
Jake Moody’s Monday night performance was abysmal. The controversial third round kicker missed two field goals and an extra point, the latest unfortunate chapter in what has been a rough sophomore season. Moody’s performance will always be topical, partly because he’s a starting kicker, and partly because of the almost unprecedented draft capital used on him. Kyle Shanahan, who has always had Moody’sback publicly, showed some cracks in that framework postgame.
Moody faced the music following the game. He stood at his locker and answered questions with grace, but the pain in his face was palpable. Moody explained that his confidence is about as low as it’s ever been in his football career.
The Niners defense has also had a year to forget. Once the most fearsome unit in the NFl, injuries and a severe lack of clutch execution have contributed to a lowlight reel that Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and Co would love to bury and burn in the offseason. One prominent reason the defense has struggled is the stark inability to force turnovers, especially in the latter half of the season. Warner, someone who takes tremendous pride in his defense’s ability to turn the ball over and score, can’t explain the drought better than you or I.
Ricky Persall’s big night was a bright spot. He’s had a tough year on the field on top of the obvious struggle off of it. He went for 140 yards and scored a touchdown. Pearsall looked like the Niners’ best player on Monday night. George Kittle heaped praise on the rookie.
