Niner Noise
FanSided

5 stats where the 49ers actually performed well in 2017

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Bradley Pinion #5 of the San Francisco 49ers punts the ball away against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Bradley Pinion #5 of the San Francisco 49ers punts the ball away against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Average Punt Return Yards Against

4.2 — First in the NFL

49ers punter Bradley Pinion was busy this season.

While his 75 total punts ranked only 15th most in the NFL, there were games in which he was punting seven, eight or even nine times before Jimmy Garoppolo took over at quarterback.

Fortunately, San Francisco’s special teams did its job.

Sure, there was one punt return for a touchdown allowed against the Chicago Bears back in Week 13. Aside from that, though, the Niners were excellent on punt coverage, allowing an average of just 4.2 yards per attempt.

That was tied for best in the league with the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts.

Take away that 61-yard return by Bears return man Tarik Cohen, and the 49ers would have allowed an average of just 2.41 yards per return.

One has to give a lot of credit to special teams coach Richard Hightower this season, as special teams was one of the most consistent and well-performing units over the entirety of 2017.

We don’t know if the Niners are going to be able to replicate this same consistency next year.

If they can, though, San Francisco’s defense will be all the more thankful.