San Francisco 49ers: Complete grades for Week 1 victory over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Justin Fried
3. Special Teams
The 49ers weren’t only aided by a spectacular outing from their defense, but they were also helped out by a solid showing from their special teams unit.
Kicker Robbie Gould connected on three of his four field-goal attempts hitting from 29, 36, and 47-yards out. He also made both of his two extra-point attempts to boot — no pun intended.
Gould’s lone miss came on a 57-yard field goal that bounced off the crossbar, so all is forgiven on that end. Gould is still Gould and the 49ers couldn’t be any happier.
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We also were witness to the long-awaited debut of fourth-round rookie Mitch Wishnowsky. Wishnowsky punted just twice, one of which went for 54 yards and was returned for no gain thanks, in part, to an excellent tackle from gunner Emmanuel Moseley.
But the highlight of the night for the special teams unit was undoubtedly Mark Nzeocha’s blocked punt in the first quarter that led the 49ers to their first three points of the afternoon.
It was the first impact play in a busy afternoon for Nzeocha who also came away with his first career interception later on in the game.
Much like the defense, the special teams unit helped the offense score some points on Sunday when they needed all the help they could get.
Final Grade: B+