49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Kicker Robbie Gould

Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series takes a look at the San Francisco 49ers’ special teams, with this breakdown of veteran kicker Robbie Gould and his impact this upcoming season.

Yes, kickers are people too. Especially in the case for San Francisco 49ers veteran Robbie Gould, who was responsible for 145 of the Niners’ 331 points scored in 2017.

That’s nearly 44 percent of San Francisco’s offensive scoring last year, for you non-math wizards. And it’s justification why kickers are pretty important.

Gould essentially won the 49ers’ Week 13 contest against the Chicago Bears last season, accounting for all the Niners’ offense by converting all five field-goal attempts. And while Gould could see a slight drop in reliance this year, all signs point to him being a valuable commodity for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad in 2018.

And it isn’t as if Gould’s numbers last year weren’t impressive. Especially at 36 years old for the majority of 2017:

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/29/2018.

Gould’s 39 made field goals last year led the NFL. And his 95.1 field-goal conversion percentage ranked second only behind the Carolina Panthers’ Graham Gano.

Yet, for some reason, Gould was snubbed on a Pro Bowl selection last year.

Nevertheless, what should Niners fans expect from the savvy veteran heading into 2018? Will his impressive 2017 numbers take a hit and, if so, why?

Let’s break it down.

Why Robbie Gould Improves in 2018

Gould’s forgettable 2015 season is long since in the rear-view mirror. And while there’s always the chance numbers like those could resurrect themselves again in 2018, let’s bank off Gould’s efforts from a year ago.

So much of what happens with Gould and special teams will be predicated off San Francisco’s offense. And that, of course, has much to do with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and his ability to move the ball.

For starters, take a look at the scoring splits before and after Garoppolo took over starting duties in Week 12 (h/t Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson):

Then, factor in this — the Niners were a paltry 27th in red-zone touchdown efficiency last year.

What do the two combined mean? Well, the Niners had little problem getting into scoring position over the final third of 2017. They just had issues crossing the goal line. It’s not exactly a prime formula for Shanahan and the offense. But a continuation of that trend spells good news for someone like Gould.

And if it continues in 2018, Gould will likely supply a good chunk of San Francisco’s scoring offense once more.

Why He Regresses

Again, age is a factor. But as the 49ers saw with one ageless wonder, Phil Dawson, good kickers can play deep into their 30s. Sometimes beyond it too.

This will be a watch point for Gould, yet there are other reasons why his numbers take a hit this season.

San Francisco 49ers

For starters, the Niners offense should be much more effective this season than it was a year ago. Especially compared to the first half of 2017. With Garoppolo commanding a much more effective offense, many of those red-zone appearances likely wind up turning into touchdowns instead of field goals.

At least Gould will hopefully cash in on more extra-point attempts instead of field-goal tries. And Gould hit on all but two of those last year.

What to Expect with the 49ers in 2018

Barring injury, Gould is a lock to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. And there aren’t any boda fide reasons to think he’ll have a major falloff campaign after such a solid effort a year ago.

We likely won’t see as many field-goal attempts from Gould this season. His 41 attempts last year were third most in the league, yet one would hope that number drops down towards the low-to-mid 30s.

That means more touchdowns, less drives ending in a field goal.

As such, look for Gould’s extra points to be on the rise. After 28 made last year, the Niners would surely feel happy if that number increased into the 40s.

Again, more touchdowns. Less field goals.

Next: 5 quarterbacks with a lot on the line this 2018 season

Pretty sure Gould and the Niners would take that equation without complaint this year.