A Longstanding Weakness Under Shanahan
In Kyle Shanahan’s tenure, the 49ers’ special teams unit has largely been a net negative. They have cost the team games with mistakes in kick or punt coverage, while not yielding any advantage in the return game.
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A Complete Overhaul of the Special Teams Unit
Shanahan decided to revamp the entire unit this offseason, letting special teams coordinator Brian Schneider go and hiring former Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer to the same role.
Boyer, a former fullback and special teams player, changed out the whole unit, bringing in a new punter, long snapper and numerous players to the coverage units, including Siran Neal and Luke Gifford.
Key Additions: Eddy Pineiro and Skyy Moore
The most pivotal additions to this unit might be kicker Eddy Pineiro, who’s yet to miss a field goal with the 49ers, and return-man Skyy Moore, who’s been electric the last few weeks in terms of putting the offense in advantageous field position.
A Dramatic Rise in Special Teams Efficiency
In terms of Expected Points Added (EPA), the 49ers have the second-ranked special teams unit in the NFL this season. Take out Week 1 where Jake Moody was a disaster, and the 49ers fly up to No. 1 on the list.
The 49ers are No. 1 in the NFL in average starting field position, while ranking third in weighted kick return average and eighth in weighted punt return average. Skyy Moore and Brian Robinson Jr. have both had huge returns in recent weeks that have put the 49ers in scoring territory.
Dominating the “Hidden Points” Battle
Football Outsiders also tracks a stat called hidden points, which measures advantage gained from factors like opposing field goals, kickoff distance, and punt distance—expressed as points worth of field position. The 49ers rank No. 1 in this stat, with a significant margin over the second-place Texans.
Coverage Units Playing at an Elite Level
Outside of their return game, the 49ers have been excellent in coverage the last few weeks as well. Their kickers and punter Thomas Moorstead have done a good job of pinning teams back, while the coverage unit runs down the field.
Linebacker and special teams standout Luke Gifford is currently Top-5 in special teams tackles, per Pro Football Focus. They also generated a turnover last week against the Browns, as Darrell Luter Jr. recovered a muffed punt.
Pineiro’s Reliability Cements the Turnaround
Add in the impressive kicking game that Eddy Pineiro has displayed this season, and it’s easy to understand why Brant Boyer’s unit is one of the best in the NFL. It’s been so long since the 49ers have had a top-flight special teams unit that I’ve forgotten what it’s like.
A Legitimate Weapon Come Playoff Time
Come January, the 49ers’ special teams unit is going to be a legitimate weapon. With their average starting field position, the 49ers are generally only a few first downs away from three points. With an offense as efficient as theirs, they should have no problem moving the ball into Pineiro range.
While it’s been a sore spot under Kyle Shanahan for so long, I believe the special teams unit is going to make a handful of plays in the playoffs that will be the difference between advancing and going home.
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