Moody wins the kicking duel with a clutch 59 yarder

The 49ers rely on special teams and depth as injuries mount and Moody delivers a late winner to cap the game.

Moody nails 59 yard field goal to tie 49ers Raiders preseason clash

The 49ers opened with Brock Purdy connecting with Ricky Pearsall on the first drive, showing a quick rhythm and mobility under center. Pearsall caught the first pass, and a later 14-yard grab illustrated his fit in the offense as Purdy delivered on time even while the line faced push. A rough stretch by the protection followed, but Purdy stood tall and converted a critical third down, signaling the potential for a strong passing game this season.

Jake Moody faced the test of a real kicking competition. He missed a 53-yard attempt early, then answered with a 26-yard field goal to tie the game. The Raiders answered with a 54-yard kick, and San Francisco found a temporary edge when Moody later drilled a 50-yarder to pull even at 16. The teams traded drives with sacks and penalties, and the fourth quarter preserved the drama until Moody lined up for a 59-yard winner that sailed through the uprights. Several players left the field with injuries, including two running backs and starting right guard Dominick Puni, underscoring the depth questions the club must manage this month.

The game underlines how quickly preseason performances are filtered through the lens of depth and health. Purdy and Pearsall offered a promising early connection, but the ongoing injuries spotlight a larger issue for the 49ers: who steps up when the roster is tested? Moody’s late heroics provide relief, yet the earlier misses keep the kicking job in flux and remind fans that reliability is earned, not assumed.

Beyond the box score, the night highlights a broader truth about September rosters. The 49ers will rely on young contributors like Chase Lucas and others to fill gaps as veterans rest and recover. How they handle special teams, discipline inside the red zone, and the grind of August will shape who makes the final 53. The Raiders showed resilience too, but the fractious finish leaves both teams with concrete questions about consistency and health.

Highlights

Health and depth will drive the next phase of the 49ers' preseason story.