Santa Clara, CA — Preseason football is often overlooked, but Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium felt like a playoff dress rehearsal. The San Francisco 49ers edged the Las Vegas Raiders 22-19, and while the win won’t count in the standings, the way it happened has the entire NFL talking.
Jake Moody Delivers a Legendary Kick
With just seconds left on the clock, kicker Jake Moody lined up for a nearly impossible 59-yard field goal. The crowd held its breath — and then erupted as the ball sailed perfectly through the uprights. Moody’s ice-cold strike capped a 5-for-6 night and instantly went viral, turning a routine preseason outing into one of August’s most talked-about games.
Mac Jones Gets His Shot
With Brock Purdy limited to just one drive, all eyes turned to Mac Jones, who showed command of the offense in extended action. Jones went 13 of 16 for 135 yards, with one interception but plenty of crisp, confident throws. For the 49ers, who value depth at every position, his performance offered reassurance that the quarterback room is stronger than ever.
Raiders Strike Back, But Defense Holds
The Raiders weren’t just bystanders. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell led Vegas to a late touchdown drive that gave them a 19-16 lead in the fourth quarter. Running back Ashton Jeanty added a gritty touchdown run, forcing San Francisco to respond under pressure.
That response came from the defense, which held firm long enough for Moody to get his chance — and deliver the dagger.
Why This Matters for San Francisco
Head coach Kyle Shanahan brushed off the viral noise postgame, saying the focus remains on preparation. Still, Moody’s game-winner may be more than just a highlight — it’s proof that the 49ers may have finally found the reliable clutch kicker they’ve long needed.
For a team loaded with stars like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and Nick Bosa, having a kicker capable of closing games could be the missing piece for a Super Bowl run.
