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Last season, David Akers was solid from whatever distance the San Francisco 49ers put him at. Akers converted an NFL-record 44 field goals last season, but has made barely two-thirds of his attempts this season. After missing a field goal in an overtime game with the St. Louis Rams earlier this year, Akers couldn't split the uprights in overtime for a game winner against the Rams on Sunday. The veteran was understandably disappointed in himself after missing the kick that could've given his team the win.
It's a game of inches and I probably missed it by 3 or 4 inches to the right. And I just feel horrible for letting my teammates, organization, fans down.
The miss in Sunday's game was from 51 yards, a previously near automatic distance for Akers who was seven of nine on field goals from 50-plus yards last season. This year, he's made just one of five from beyond 50 yards. Akers had been nursing an undisclosed pelvis injury all week, but he said that had nothing to do with him missing the kick.
The 49ers face a tough road to finish the season. They'll face the Dolphins at home before going on the road to face the New England Patriots and division rival Seattle Seahawks in consecutive weeks. They'll finish the season at home against the Arizona Cardinals.