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A 2013 NFC Conference Championship Scouting Report: The 49ers Special Teams

Niners Nation gives The Falcoholic a scouting report on the San Francisco 49ers defense before the NFC Conference Championship. See the scouting report on the offense and defense here.

Thearon W. Henderson
David Fucillo returns with a 49ers special teams cheat sheet. Check out Niners Nation for more!

Kicker
FG/Kickoffs: David Akers (2)
Reserve: Billy Cundiff (6)
Holder: Andy Lee (4)
Long snapper (86)

Yes, the 49ers have two kickers on their roster. David Akers has had his ups and downs, and after late season struggles, the 49ers signed Cundiff during their bye week to compete with the incumbent. Akers did hang on to his job and connected on one field goal against the Packers, but remains a big question mark.


Punter
Starter: Andy Lee (4)

He remains arguably the best punter in the NFL, leading the league in net average and finishing third in punts inside the 20. He can boom them long and he can kick with precision. Some 49ers fans refer to him as the Death Star due to that combination of power and precision, but fortunately he lacks the basic weakness that did in the Death Star.

Kick Returner
Starter: LaMichael James (23)
Reserve: Ted Ginn Jr. (19), Delanie Walker (46)

James took over the kick return duties for the final few games of the season, and has been a revelation. He did not have enough returns to qualify for league rankings, but he finished second in the NFL in kick return average. He brings speed and athleticism that allow him to do big things in space.

Punt Returner
Starter: Ted Ginn Jr. (19)
Reserve: Perrish Cox (20)

Ginn struggles as a receiver, but remains a solid punt returner. His numbers are down this season, but he remains a big threat to break a big return.