Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
New rule revives Dawson's kickoff duties for 49ers
Share This Post
Comments
Friday, September 30, 2016 - 12:00pm
Follow @maioccocsn

SANTA CLARA – The NFL attempted to legislate the kickoff return out of the game. As it turns out, the rule to place touchbacks at the 25-yard line has prompted the opposite reaction.

The rule has provided 49ers veteran kicker Phil Dawson with more opportunities to be used on kickoffs after one full season in which punter Bradley Pinion handled those chores.

“I don’t know this was the intended consequence of the rule change,” Dawson said. “Even the commissioner (Roger Goodell) said they’re going to revisit the rule change once they get enough data. If they’d talked to special teams coaches, I think they would’ve gotten a pretty clear indication this might have happened.”

Kickoffs were moved up from the 30-yard line to the 35 for the 2011 season. Receiving teams often returned kickoffs deep in the end zone to attempt to run it out past the 20-yard line.

But once the NFL passed a rule that placed a touchback at the 25-yard line, the dynamic changed.

“Once you make that the 25, what the decision-makers failed to consider is, yes, you’re giving the return team incentive to take a knee, but now you’re giving the kickoff team incentive to not kick it in the end zone because now you think you can make a tackle inside the 25,” said Dawson, 41, an 18-year professional.

Instead of instructing strong-legged Pinion to blast the ball through the back of the end zone, 49ers first-year special-teams coach Derius Swinton has decided to use Dawson’s accuracy and hang time on kickoffs to the coverage team’s advantage.

“Hopefully, we can keep them guessing what we’re doing,” Dawson said. “Sometimes hit it deep. Sometimes hit it short. Sometimes hit it wide. Kickoff return is so much timing and spacing. If you can confuse both, you’re going to help your coverage unit and the average starting position is a big factor.”

Pinion handled the 49ers’ five kickoffs in the first game of the season. The Los Angeles Rams’ average starting spot was the 25-yard line. Dawson took over for the next two games.

Of Dawson’s six kickoffs against Carolina, four were not returned past the 25, including a play in which Ted Ginn muffed the kick and the 49ers recorded at the Panthers’ 2-yard line. Last week, the Seahawks’ average starting point was the 29. There were even two times in which Dawson was instructed to kick it deep for the touchback. He succeeded both times.

“The kickoff is a very misunderstood play in football,” Dawson said. “Some of the strategy is starting to come out. You’re starting to see how teams feel about situations and how they use personnel. Even Baltimore is hitting them short with Justin Tucker, who has led the league in touchbacks.

“Obviously, there is some risk when you give them an opportunity to return it, but if you can make a play, that’s why we’re here.”

Dawson said he and Pinion remain ready to execute whatever fits best with the 49ers' game plan for special teams in each game. They will either aim to blast the ball out of the end zone with Pinion or try to stop the opposition on kickoffs short of the 25-yard line with Dawson’s high, directional kickoffs.

The strategy could change week-to-week or even within the game, Dawson said.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Bair: Raiders' juiced up run game faces toughest test yet in Baltimore
Pagan: 'I want to be the guy' to come through in big moments for Giants
Bochy: Blach's outing vs Dodgers 'one of best performances I've seen'
Blach explains how he and Posey shut down Dodgers lineup

Giants

Giants notes: Ryan Vogelsong can help Giants on Sunday
Rewind: Blach dominates Dodgers in biggest start of career
Instant Replay: Blach beats Kershaw, Giants take lead into final day
Wild Card Watch: Mets clinch top spot, to host Giants or Cards
Read More

Athletics

LIVE: A's vs Mariners
A's lineup: Wendle moved down, Semien up top vs Mariners
Rewind: Neal joins elite company with dominant relief outing
Instant Replay: Mariners muscle up, power past A's
Read More

Sharks

Sharks' Jones 'more comfortable' after remarkable first season
Hertl, Dell encouraged by performances in Sharks preseason win
Instant Replay: Sharks score early in OT, beat Coyotes
Sharks prospect Meier out four weeks with mono
Read More

49ers

Rice calls out Sherman: 'Would've had his head just spinning'
49ers promote TE Hamm to active roster, release RB Harris
49ers' Kaepernick meets with anthem protester Abdul-Rauf
Davis thanks 49ers for giving him 'head start' on life
Read More

Raiders

Raiders secondary showing improvement, 'we can do more'
Report: Ex-Raiders FB Reece works out for AFC contender
Texans head coach declares Watt out for the season
Bills place star WR Sammy Watkins on IR
Read More

Warriors

Instant Replay: Warriors drop KD's exhibiton debut to Raptors
NBA Gameday: New-look Warriors exhibition debut vs Raptors
Warriors to honor Nate Thurmond with No. 42 patch
LeBron sends Cavs message on J.R. Smith: 'Get it done'
Read More

NCAA

California uses goal-line stand to upset No. 18 Utah
San Jose State's rally falls short in loss to New Mexico
No. 7 Stanford steamrolled by No.10 Washington
San Francisco names Goodenbour head coach to replace Azzi
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Giants notes: Ryan Vogelsong can help Giants on Sunday
Alex Pavlovic

GIANTS VIDEO

Pagan: 'I want to be the guy' to come through in big moments for Giants
Pagan: 'I want to be the guy' to come through in big moments for Giants
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Giants notes: Ryan Vogelsong can help Giants on Sunday
  • Rewind: Blach dominates Dodgers in biggest start of career
  • Instant Replay: Blach beats Kershaw, Giants take lead into final day
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: A's vs Mariners
CSN Bay Area staff

A's VIDEO

Glen and Ray: Mariners playing the A's like everything is on the line
Glen and Ray: Mariners playing the A's like everything is on the line
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Sharks' Jones 'more comfortable' after remarkable first season
(1)
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Sharks' Jones 'more comfortable' after remarkable first season
  • Hertl, Dell encouraged by performances in Sharks preseason win
  • Instant Replay: Sharks score early in OT, beat Coyotes
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Instant Replay: Warriors drop KD's exhibiton debut to Raptors
(9)
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

Kerr says preseason opener won't be 'pretty' but Warriors making progress
Kerr says preseason opener won't be 'pretty' but Warriors making progress
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

Five takeaways from week one of Kings Training Camp
James Ham

Kings Video

Joerger, Cousins looking to 'lay down the foundation' together
Joerger, Cousins looking to 'lay down the foundation' together
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Rice calls out Sherman: 'Would've had his head just spinning'
(18)
CSN Bay Area staff

49ers VIDEO

1-on-1 with Zane Beadles: Pressure on offense; strength of 49ers
1-on-1 with Zane Beadles: Pressure on offense; strength of 49ers
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • 49ers promote TE Hamm to active roster, release RB Harris
  • 49ers' Kaepernick meets with anthem protester Abdul-Rauf
  • Davis thanks 49ers for giving him 'head start' on life
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders secondary showing improvement, 'we can do more'
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Bair: Raiders' juiced up run game faces toughest test yet in Baltimore
Bair: Raiders' juiced up run game faces toughest test yet in Baltimore
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders secondary showing improvement, 'we can do more'
  • Raiders RT roundtable continues; Ravens LT doubtful
  • Top 5 storylines to watch in Raiders-Ravens Week 4 matchup
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes' Amarikwa has successful ACL surgery
(1)
Media Services

More Stories

Earthquakes' winless streak now at seven after loss to Impact
Instant Replay: Quakes hit bottom in latest home loss
(1)
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Rewind: Neal joins elite company with dominant relief outing
(1)
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Giants notes: Ryan Vogelsong can help Giants on Sunday
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers promote TE Hamm to active roster, release RB Harris
(9)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders secondary showing improvement, 'we can do more'
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Instant Replay: Warriors drop KD's exhibiton debut to Raptors
(9)
See more >

JAMES HAM

Five takeaways from week one of Kings Training Camp
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks' Jones 'more comfortable' after remarkable first season
(1)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Is Giants’ buzzard luck suddenly turning into swan?

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Bair: Raiders' juiced up run game faces toughest test yet in Baltimore
Bair: Raiders' juiced up run game faces toughest test yet in Baltimore
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California