LAS VEGAS — Jake Moody’s heroic finish Saturday, with a game-winning 59-yard field goal, might be just the star turn that recharges his 49ers career. Money Moody paid off, this time.
Other moments from other players should not be dismissed from the 22-19 comeback over the Raiders. Here are five areas to rewind and as the 49ers soon peer toward the season opener, three Sundays from now.
CHECK OUT CHASE LUCAS
No one’s packed more pizzazz this preseason than Chase Lucas. His blitz produced a safety in the preseason opener against Denver. His third-quarter interception Saturday sparked a humorous victory lap behind the 49ers’ bench. And his unabashed swagger has irritated opponents in joint practices. A retooled defense needs all those characteristics.
And behind all that is a burning desire to make the 53-man roster, even if the starting nickel back role likely is locked up by rookie Upton Stout. Last year, Lucas was stuck on the practice squad while best friend Deommodore Lenoir played his way into a wealthy contract extension.
“There’d be days I didn’t want to get up, because I felt I wasn’t getting the recognition that I needed or wanted,” Lucas said of last season. “That’s just a soft mentality. I had to flip the script, and I feel this year, it’s a different story. I was tired of being on the sideline when the homies were out there at war.
“I trained my body crazy this offseason. I made sure people were going to know my name,” added Lucas, who also had a sack.
He credited coaches for a 135-clip video of the Raiders’ indicators, and Lucas watched it 10 times while in Las Vegas. Based on the formation and a receiver’s steps, he knew his matchup would lead to an out route. “I read it perfectly and just broke underneath him,” Lucas said. “What was the quarterback’s name? (Aidan O’Connell). He threw me a perfect pass. I have to thank him for that.”
MAHONEY’S GRAND FINALE
Lucas and safety Jaylen Mahoney not only had neighboring lockers closest to the door but each had a football in it. Mahoney nabbed his interception with 13 seconds remaining (and was toppled by Lucas to prevent a return that might have shortened Moody’s final kick).
It’s the first NFL ball Mahoney has claimed as a memento, and plays like that could keep him employed. He’s still a roster underdog, having been waived once this camp.
“I was thinking no seams, no posts, don’t let it get behind me. If I had the opportunity to end the game right there, then end it,” Mahoney ssaid. “He threw the ball down the seam, I broke on it and I was right there to catch it.”
Mahoney was on last year’s practice squad and credits not only his coaches but Talanoa Hufanga and Malik Mustapha for mentoring him. Once Mahoney nabbed Saturday’s interception, he said a “crazy experience” unfolded: “Chase, Fred (Warner), Trent Williams … it was cool to have all the big guys bring the energy to you after making a big play.”
‘HOLDER’ THOMAS MORSTEAD
Morstead said the thrill of such victories is what’s lured him back for a 17th NFL season, and his first as the 49ers’ punter. And Moody’s holder.
“I’m sure he’d like to have two of his kicks back today, but that’s why it takes a tough-mindedness to play that position in this league,” said Morstead, who didn’t punt Saturday but held as Moody made 5-of-6 field-goal attempts.
“There’s no doubt I’m sure he went out for one of those kicks late in the game – not the last one – feeling like ‘I need to make this kick,’ ” Morstead added. “Acknowledging the realities of the position is something great players have to do at times. He made the kick, and he made the next one, then he made the next one. It was awesome for him, awesome for our unit, awesome for the team to feel what it’s like to win. Even though these games don’t count, they matter.”
In between kicks, Morstead, Moody and Weeks discuss how their operation went. After 16 seasons, Morstead insists that specialists simply “don’t find a stride,” that a “little hitch” will occur as soon as you feel you’ve got it made. “You’re ajust always grinding and working at something,” he added.
Morstead memorialized his zero-punt game, by the way, by posing for a locker room picture with the 49ers’ three quarterbacks, each of them making a “zero” with their hands.
NICK MARTIN’S GROWTH
Linebacker Nick Martin rebounded from a rough debut, and although he was far from perfect, his speed was again evident, particularly when he blitzed up the middle for a sack. He also had two tackles for loss.
“I love rushing. I did a lot of it in college,” said the third-round pick from Oklahoma State. “I’m just glad it could translate. When I hear my number called, I have to make the most of it.”
What he did Saturday was force the Raiders to slide protection. “The center didn’t see me coming. He saw me late and I got a rip (move) on him,” Martin said.
With two preseason games under his belt in his first live tackling since last September, Martin acknowledged he’s getting more comfortable. “I saw some improvement. Thought he was flying around, made some really good hits,” Shanahan said. “I was excited watching him play.”
RUNNING OUT OF BACKS
Christian McCaffrey is healthy and ready for the season. Good, because almost all his backups are hurt, with the preseason finale still to come Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Likely the most serious injury to that unit came when rookie upstart Corey Kiner sustained a high ankle sprain at the end of a 19-yard run, as three Raiders and Luke Farrell fell on him. That injury typically requires a month or two recovery, casting doubt on his roster chances just when he was emerging as a possible No. 3 option.
Kiner took over Saturday once Patrick Taylor Jr. exited with a dislocated shoulder (and minus-6 yards on four carries, none longer than a 2-ayrd gain). Earlier in camp, the 49ers lost Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (knee, finger), prompting them to sign Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Jeff Wilson Jr., the latter of whom scored on a 1-yard but averaged just 2 yards on eight carries. Vaughn had 24 yards on nine carries.
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“We lost our Nos. 2 and 3 a couple of weeks ago and we lost two guys today. But all those guys will be back,” Shanahan said. “We’ve been through that before. You can never have too many backs. We’ve got a number of ‘em and we haven’t lost any of them for the year left. Those guys will rebound fast.”