This offseason the San Francisco 49ers made a free agent signing that likely won’t be talked about much but could have a big impact on the team. They signed linebacker Blake Costanzo. Costanzo played for the 49ers in 2011, left in free agency to sign with the Chicago Bears, and is now back in San Francisco on a one-year deal. Barring a number of injuries, Costanzo most likely won’t see the field on defense because he is what’s known as a special teams ace.
Being a special teams ace is by no means filled with glory. It is similar to an offensive lineman in that even when you’re one of the best at your position, you still don’t get much media attention. Make no mistake about it though, it’s an extremely important part of the game that needs to be paid attention to. Out of the 13 teams in 2013 with the best PFF (subscription) rating on special teams, nine of them made the playoffs.
Playing special teams takes a special kind of player, it’s not made for everyone. However, it’s tailor-made for Costanzo. His energy, speed, size, discipline, and open-field tackling ability make him a superstar on kickoffs. So what does someone like him mean to the 49ers? He could be the difference in winning the NFC West along with home field advantage throughout the playoffs and being a wildcard again and having to win three straight road games in the playoffs.
I realize this sounds like hyperbole, but look at it this way: in 2013 the 49ers finished second in their division with a 12-4 record. The Seattle Seahawks won the division with a 13-3 record. Only one game separated the two teams and if they had finished with the same record the 49ers held the tie breaker.
In Week 11, the 49ers lost to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 23-20. In the second quarter, with the 49ers leading 10-7, they allowed an 82 yard kick return to bring the Saints to the 49ers’ 21-yard line. The Saints went ahead 14-10 with less than two minutes left in the half on that drive. That one play could have been the difference in that three point game. If Costanzo had been on the special teams unit, that could’ve changed everything.
Special teams is critical. You want the best players possible on your special teams units because it can be the difference between winning and losing, and in the NFL, one game can make all the difference. Blake Costanzo is a difference maker on special teams who brings an energy to the unit that can’t be seen on any stat sheet. In the NFC West in 2014, the 49ers will need every advantage they can possibly get. It’s going to be a tight race.