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San Francisco 49ers Roster 2012: Niners Nation Reacts

The 49ers had a dominant special teams unit in every facet last season. Will it be the same this year?

By Ronald Clark
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 6: David Akers #2 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after kicking a first half field goal against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on November 6, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 6: David Akers #2 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after kicking a first half field goal against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on November 6, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Niners Nation decided to take a closer look at an aspect of the recent roster cuts some may have glossed over - special teams.

The San Francisco 49ers were dominant on special teams last year, with NN pointing out special teams stars like Andy Lee, David Akers and Ted Ginn Jr. But they also point out that the coverage of kicks/punts and the blocking on the returns was just as important to their success.

Their special teams took a bit of a hit with the trade of Colin Jones to the Carolina Panthers and the release of veteran Rock Cartwright, two special teams contributors, with Cartwright spending last season with the Oakland Raiders.

NN points out that Darcel McBath and Trenton Robinson may have to work on special teams and Anthony Dixon will be looked upon as a leader of the unit. But NN will wait to see if this unit is still on par with last year's.

For more on the 49ers, check out Niners Nation.