Colts vs. 49ers Postgame grades: Special Teams

Special teams are always a critical part of a football team, and the Colts know that. How did they fare in their third preseason games against the 49ers?

The Colts have had pretty good special teams over the years. The main issues they’ve had have been related to stopping return men. They have had the propensity to allow large kickoff and punt returns. It seems they have fixed that this year though. How did the unit grade out against the 49ers?

With the new rules in effect the last few seasons, the Colts kick coverage has gotten better. That continues now. They haven’t allowed a lot of big kickoff returns, which in turn have helped keep opposing teams’ field position in check.

The Colts have done a good job with punt coverage as well. Against the Niners, they didn’t allow many big returns and did a good job corralling the returners. This has been a consistent theme that should continue.

Adam Vinatieri had the day off, so Michael Badgley took over. He held up Vinatieri’s high standard of kicking. He made all three field goals that he attempted, including a 51-yarder. The Colts are set at this position for awhile and it should be something they can lean on all season.

The Colts have done a good job with Rigoberto Sanchez, who took over for Pat McAfee last season. Sanchez has been pretty consistent with his punting this preseason, and continued that against San Francisco.

The Colts continue to have solid special teams throughout their preseason and that should continue into the regular season. This is one unit fans should have confidence in all season long.