Kyle Shanahan Reveals why he Doesn't Like to Call Fake Punts

Ever wondered why the San Francisco 49ers never call fake punts?

Well then you're in luck today. Kyle Shanahan revealed at his press conference explaining why he doesn't like to call fake punts.

"I don't like to trick people into winning the game. You want to have game plan stuff and try to make it the easiest for the players. That's why if something's there and it's consistent and you feel like it, then no doubt," explained Shanahan. "But it rarely is like that. The time I thought it was, we checked out of it. It's not about rolling the dice. We'll have no problem doing that type of stuff. But you do it if you have to."

The instance Shanahan is referring to was during the 2018 season, and it was more so because the 49ers were already in a losing season. The only other closest time the 49ers had a fake punt was this season when Mitch Wishnowsky called his own number against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a sweet run that ended up being a first down conversion. Unfortunately, it was nullified due to a penalty. And given the way Shanahan feels about fake punts, I sincerely doubt the 49ers will ever call one.

"I think why would you do that stuff if you feel you’ve got a bunch of other ways to win the game because to make a risk when those types of things can easily lose you to the game, you got to do that stuff if you feel that's what it takes to win. But I don't think we've been in that situation for a little bit and it's probably like, the one I remember calling was I think our second year when we finished 4-12.”

I can't say I blame Shanahan. Fake punts generally are a desperate move, which is why it was called for the 49ers in 2018. They were a terrible team back then. Now they are an elite playoff contending team year after year. Plus, it makes no sense to risk it when the 49ers have an elite defense that can easily make a stand on the ensuing drive of the punted play. So, for Shanahan, it makes no sense to call it with the 49ers.