The 49ers advanced past the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs in large part because of special teams.
On Thursday, the 49ers signed special-teams ace Oren Burks to a two-year contract, further weakening the Packers at their most glaring weakness last season.
“It definitely goes to the importance of special teams,” Burks said on a video call with Bay Area reporters.
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“It’s not the (first) thing that you think about, but it’s so important in terms of field position and momentum. I’ve always been really passionate about how that impacts the game.”
A handful of Green Bay blunders on special teams helped the 49ers build momentum in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.
Jimmie Ward blocked a field-goal attempt to end the first half. Deebo Samuel opened the second half with a 45-yard kickoff return. The 49ers tied the game with less than five minutes to play when Jordan Willis blocked a punt and Talanoa Hufanga returned it for a touchdown.
The 49ers pulled out the 13-10 victory on Robbie Gould’s 45-yard field goal as time expired.
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“It’s a tough way to lose in Green Bay, but I’m excited to add value go this organization here,” Burks said.
Burks will add depth to the 49ers’ defense, as he joins a group of linebackers that includes Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Azeez Al-Shaair and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.
But the four-year veteran knows his main role will be as a leader in the third phase of the game.
“Special teams throughout my career, that’s been something I can hang my hat on,” he said. “And kind of got some notice around the league for that.”
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Burks played at least 75 percent of the team’s special teams snaps each season of his career, including a career-high and team-high 337 snaps last season. He appeared in 59 regular-season games with seven starts at linebacker.
Burks registered 92 tackles. His 33 tackles on special teams were a team-high over that span.