Taking Stock of the 49ers Special Teams
Are the 49ers special teams getting better or worse?
Let's take stock.
Jake Moody
He's not the worst kicker in the league, and he's still young so he might improve, but he's far too inconsistent for a Super Bowl contender such as the 49ers. He missed a kick in all three of their playoff games -- unacceptable. And sure, he has a strong leg, which is terrific. But the 49ers don't need to take lots of long field goals, because they have an elite offense. They need a kicker who's automatic on the short kicks, and Moody isn't. He missed an extra point in the freaking Super Bowl. The 49ers need to cut him so he can sign with a team that plays for nothing so he's never under pressure, then the 49ers should sign a kicker with playoff experience. Maybe they can convince Robbie Gould to come out of retirement.
Stock down.
Mitch Wishnowsky
One of the best punters in the league. The 49ers offense is so good in the regular season that they rarely punt, but Wishnowsky managed to pin 20 of his 52 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, which is extremely impressive. He also ran for a first down once this season when he decided on his own to fake a punt. The 49ers should let him run more often.
Stock up.
Taybor Pepper
One of the best long snappers in the league, plus he knows sign language, which is nice.
Stock up.
Ray Ray McCloud
A fair catch specialist who tried to scoop and run with a muffed punt in the Super Bowl instead of simply falling on the ball, and as a result he let the Chiefs recover.
Stock down.
