The last two Super Bowls have been settled by just three points, while the game’s history is littered with contests that were settled by the narrowest of margins.
If the bookies are correct, then Sunday’s clash will be another close contest and neither team can afford to leave any potential points out there on the field.
Both teams’ kickers could therefore be vital in how the Las Vegas showdown is settled. Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs has proved to be a reliable presence during his seven seasons in the NFL, while the San Francisco 49ers placed their trust in rookie Jake Moody this season.
More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Niners opted to select Moody with their third-round pick in the 2023 draft, making him just the second kicker to be selected within the top 100 picks over the past 15 years.
An up-and-down rookie season saw him make 21 of 25 field goals, but two of those misses would end up costing his side regular season victories. More misses followed in the playoffs, but he was able to bounce back and convert subsequent kicks as the 49ers secured consecutive three-point post-season victories.
And that is something he touched on when speaking to the media during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night, as per NFL Network.
“It's no different than in college,” he said. “The posts are the same size. Ball is the same. Holder and snapper are just as good, if not better in the NFL. Situationally, I guess it can be a little bit different. There's a lot more games that are decided by one or two scores as opposed to college. ... It's something that you learn, just being in those situations, you kind of learn how to deal with it, mindset.
"I've been in a bunch of big games, whether it's been in college or the NFL now, going through the playoffs. I feel like I'm prepared for it. It's the same kick; just trust the routine, trust the process. It's no different than any other kick."
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