49ers special teams uncharacteristically doing its job (and more) vs. Seahawks

The 49ers' special teams unit is (gulp) serving as a strength against the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, particularly on one big play.

From Weeks 1 through 4, the San Francisco 49ers' special teams unit was a massive liability, regularly responsible for at least nightmare play per game.

Then, in Week 5 and despite a gut punch of a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, special teams somehow turned into a strength, particularly with cornerback Deommodore Lenoir scooping up a loose ball on a field-goal try and returning it for a touchdown.

However, especially in light of kicker Jake Moody's high-ankle sprain, it would have been fair to wonder if this unit experienced a mere one-game anomaly before reverting to liability for Week 6's Thursday Night Football showdown against the Seattle Seahawks.

Well, not so. At least, not yet.

49ers special teams doing its job (and more) vs. Seahawks

Over a quarter-plus into Thursday's bout, it's been the Hawks' special teams group that has made some gaffes and not that of San Francisco's.

Aside from some unwise takeouts by Seattle's kick returners, which could have been downed in the end zone for automatic 30-yard gains, the 49ers managed to force a fumble on one takeout when seldom-used cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. managed to punch the ball lose from return specialist Laviska Shenault:

Rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune made the recovery, and the replay subsequently showed Shenault wasn't down when he lost control of the ball.

Granted, the 49ers' red-zone woes continued as they were unable to fully capitalize on the turnover with a touchdown.

But they nevertheless were granted three points from the subsequent field goal to add to their early lead.

Let's just hope the Niners can preserve it this go-around.

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