New Kicker for 49ers: Out With the Old and in With the--Old

Kicking was an issue for the San Francisco 49ers last season; surprising considering that they had one of the best in the game, David Akers, on the roster. Every player--kickers including--eventually have a fall from grace. Maybe last season was it for Akers.



Anyway...rather than go with an untested rookie or nobody the team ended up tabbing another older veteran to take over the kicking duties, Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson.

''One of the storied teams in the NFL and a team that's on the verge of winning it all. ... When you start mixing all that together, even for an idiot like me it's an easy decision.''

The 38-year old Dawson had a heck of a year last season missing just two of his 31 attempts, and hitting all 13 that he tried beyond 40 yards including seven from 50+.

Akers had booted 44 field goals through the uprights the season before, but last year went a dismal 29-42.