Skyy Moore, 49ers Special Teams' Efforts Vs Browns, This Season Not Lost On Team

Skyy Moore, 49ers special teams' efforts vs Browns, this season not lost on team originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

CLEVELAND — Following a complete offseason overhaul of their special teams unit, the 49ers’ group made a noticeable impact in the team’s 26-8 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. 

Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense took over on a short field multiple times, most notably after Skyy Moore’s 66-yard punt return. 

“I think Skyy’s been awesome,” Shanahan said. “We keep saying we’ve been feeling him for a while now, getting better and better. Every time he gets the ball, we feel he’s got a chance to go. Our goal this week was to score on special teams, which he got real close again. 

“But as long as you end up scoring on offense and that big one then it doesn’t matter. So we told him thanks for allowing the offense to get those points because that was huge in this game.”

During the offseason, the 49ers hired Brant Boyer as their special teams coordinator and brought in specialists like Moore and linebacker Luke Gifford. Now, instead of simply hoping the group does not make mistakes, they are being thought of as an important asset. 

“I think they have been a weapon,” Shanahan said. “At least this last month. Both returns, you know, whether it’s the kick return or whether it’s the punt return. We made some big plays in that, and we made some big plays at some important times too.” 

Moore, who the 49ers traded for during training camp, has been on the field primarily with special teams this season, with 108 plays as a returner and 94 as a receiver on offense. 

Quarterback Brock Purdy appreciates the position that Moore has helped give to the offense after his significant returns, including a 98-yard opening kick off return in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals. 

“He’s the man,” Purdy said of Moore. “I think they have been the heart of our team with getting us great field position, allowing us to score quick and getting stops. Our special teams have been amazing. If you overlook special teams, it can hurt you, but we are on top of it and our guys have been balling in that area. So, a huge shoutout to our special teams.”

The special teams unit has not been perfect, and was called for a 12-men on the field penalty following the Browns’ only touchdown of the day. The gaffe was followed by a successful two-point conversion attempt, which was the last time Cleveland would see the end zone in the contest. 

Outside of the penalty, Moore and Boyer’s group continued giving the offense assists with favorable field position throughout the game. Christian McCaffrey is happy that Moore is seeing the fruits of his labors after a more challenging start to the season. 

“He plays with zero hesitation and it’s good to see him break for some of these long ones because for the whole first half of the year we were like, ‘He’s hitting it the right way,’” McCaffrey said. “Every time the ball is in his hands he’s playing with no hesitation, he’s fast, and he’s physical, and he runs really hard. 

“We knew it was just a matter of time before some of these big ones were going to start to hit, and he’s been doing a hell of a job putting us in a great position. Any time he gets the ball, I just love the way he hits it. He’s built for this team.” 

The 49ers finally will have some time off with their bye week ahead and then reconvene to prepare to host the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium in Week 15.

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