If someone had told a San Francisco 49ers fan coming into this season that special teams would be a strength, they probably would have laughed.
Now, the question has become whether the Niners can keep the unit intact.
Last Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, the 49ers won, thanks in large part to their special teams unit. Punt returner Skyy Moore nearly took a punt to the house and has been a huge asset in both the punt-return and kick-return games as of late.
He nearly took a kick return to the house on the first play of the game against the Arizona Cardinals, so he'd been a huge boost even though there were a lot of questions when they initially added him since he has had problems with muffing punts in the past.
Plus, Brian Robinson Jr. has proven to be a surprisingly solid kick returner. The sturdy running back is typically known for his effective running in short-yardage situations, but he has had some solid returns to give San Francisco great field position.
Turning to the kicking game, ever since the 49ers moved on from Jake Moody after a shaky Week 1 performance, special teams has not missed a field goal. Eddy Piñeiro proved to be a phenomenal pick-up and looked great until he got injured a few weeks ago, even though he has missed several extra-point attempts, which has been a problem in his career.
The Niners signed Matt Gay, and he has been serviceable the last two weeks. But the hope is Piñeiro will be healthy and ready to return in Week 15 after the bye.
Thomas Morstead has been very solid as the team's punter and has pinned opponents within their own 20-yard line 19 times on 38 attempts.
San Francisco's punt- and kick-return coverage has also improved a lot throughout the season. Early on, it allowed some big returns, but it seems as if this group tightened things up and is playing with a lot more confidence.
Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer deserves a lot of credit for this sudden turnaround in his first year on the job. He has turned a distinct and repeated 49ers weakness into a strength, which could be a key X-factor going forward.
Now, the question is whether the 49ers can keep all of these key pieces in place.
Moore, Morstead, and Piñeiro are all going to be free agents after the season, so the Niners would likely have to pay up if they want to keep the three players who have been a key part of this turnaround.
The 49ers practiced austerity last offseason, but after seeing how good the special teams unit can be this season, they would be wise to try to keep all of these key players going forward.