4 stats where 49ers were shockingly bad during 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers weren’t good with offensive starting field position
San Francisco had a number of obvious weaknesses over the course of 2021, but few were more highlighted than the gaffes and shortcomings on special teams.
A unit Football Outsiders ranked 26th in terms of regular-season DVOA.
There could be a number of problems to identify. But one potentially impacting the previously noted fourth-quarter scoring woes is the fact the 49ers weren’t good with their starting field position.
Over the course of the regular season, the Niners’ average starting field position on offense was their own 26.9-yard line.
That was 29th best in the NFL.
Problems here could have been compounded by the reality San Francisco never truly settled on a solid punt-return and kickoff-return specialist over the course of the year, and the best-leading 49ers player in kickoff-return yards was running back JaMycal Hasty with 145.
That ranked 49th out of all kick returners in 2021.
The Niners no longer employ former special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, so potentially a new face will change some things here.
But, to at least aid the offense, San Francisco better seek out better field position in 2022.