49ers 1st-quarter report card: Offense and defense improving, special teams flop

49ers 1st-quarter grades: Special teams

Nick Sorensen might get a pass for his first-year efforts, but special teams coordinator Brian Schneider isn't exactly new to the role, and he's not new to the team either.

Granted, roster fluctuation means special teams groups change significantly on a year-to-year basis, and the 49ers have been forced to experiment with various options in the return game.

Although that hasn't always been pretty, considering returners like wide receivers Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell haven't exactly thrived in the role, pushing more explosive stars like wide receiver Deebo Samuel to make more of a presence on the third phase.

Sure, kicker Jake Moody missed a key field goal in Week 3 that played a role in the loss to LA. But arguably the biggest problem on special teams has been punt coverage where the Niners have surrendered an average of 15.2 yards per return, second worst in the NFL over this opening four-week span.

Then there's this, courtesy of Niners Nation's Akash Anavarathan:

Putting things bluntly, San Francisco's special teams have been awful over the first four weeks, and the lack of success here could easily lead to lesser teams (such as the Rams) pulling off wins over the 49ers.

The Niners don't exactly have failing grades across the board, but they're deserving of one here.

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