New 49er has dramatically exceeded Kyle Shanahan's expectations
The San Francisco 49ers entered the season with a questionable situation at kicker, with Jake Moody as their lone option on the roster coming off of a season where he made just 70.6% of his field goals and 97% of his extra points.
While Moody held off veteran kicker Greg Joseph over the offseason, there didn't seem to be much faith in the 25-year-old in Week 1, and when he missed two of his three attempts in that season opener, the 49ers were quick to make a change.
Between Weeks 1 and 2, the 49ers moved on from Moody and signed Eddy Pineiro off the street, and it's been a legitimate game-changer for San Francisco, as Pineiro has made all of 17 field goals so far this season, including five from 50+ yards out.
On Thursday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if he saw things working out this well with Pineiro when they made the decision to sign him after the season had started.
“Probably not,” Shanahan said. “He hasn’t missed one yet except for his first extra point. So, I wouldn’t count that. He said he hit every field goal except for one extra point. That definitely gives me a lot of confidence. My confidence is always based off my life experiences with someone and my life experience has been pretty damn good with him so far. So, he’s doing a hell of a job.”
Pineiro's 17 made field goals in a row is the most for any kicker to start their 49ers tenure. He's also the third-most-accurate kicker in NFL history, making 89.51% of his kicks in his six years in the league The only two who are more accurate are the Los Angeles Chargers' Cameron Dicker (93.97%) and the Dallas Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey (91%).
Pete Carroll Unveils Surprising Statistic, Revealing Unseen Struggles for Raiders in Shocking Scenario
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has shared a little-known statistic that sheds light on the significant challenges faced by the Las Vegas Raiders this season, presenting a shocking perspective on the team’s struggles. During a recent interview, Carroll pointed out a statistic that has flown under the radar, offering an alarming view of the Raiders’ performance in critical areas of their game.
“Not many people realize this, but the Raiders are ranked dead last in the league when it comes to third-down efficiency,” Carroll said. “That’s a huge issue, especially in tight games. It’s a stat that tells you a lot about a team’s ability to execute in crucial moments, and unfortunately, the Raiders haven’t been getting it done.”
This statistic, rarely highlighted in mainstream coverage, reveals a troubling trend for the Raiders as they’ve continued to fall short in converting key third-down situations, which has led to missed opportunities and stunted offensive drives. According to Carroll, this lack of efficiency is a primary factor behind the team’s inability to maintain momentum and sustain drives in high-pressure moments.
“What it ultimately leads to is the inability to control the game,” Carroll continued. “When you can’t convert on third down, you’re not only failing to extend drives, but you’re also giving the ball back to your opponents far too often. That’s where the Raiders have struggled, and it’s something they really need to address if they want to compete at a higher level.”
As the Raiders look to rebound from their difficulties this season, this eye-opening statistic provides a deeper look into the challenges they are facing. Carroll’s analysis highlights just how crucial third-down efficiency is to a team’s success, and how it can impact the outcome of games in unexpected ways. For the Raiders, finding solutions in this area may be key to turning their season around.
