Phil Dawson kicks his way to NFC special teams honors

By Josh Alper

October 8, 2014

There were some concerns about the quality of the playing field heading into the inaugural season at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, but kicker Phil Dawson seems to be finding things to his liking.

Dawson has made all 11 of the field goals he’s tried at the 49ers’ new home this season, including nine in back-to-back wins over the Eagles and Chiefs over the last two weeks. Five of those came against Kansas City in Week Five, which led to Dawson being named the NFC special teams player of the week on Wednesday.

Dawson hit field goals from 27, 30, 31, 52 and 55 yards during the game and added an extra point, which accounted for 16 of the points that the 49ers scored in a 22-17 victory.

It’s the fifth time that Dawson has received weekly special teams honors and the third time he’s done it as a member of the 49ers. His win comes a week after 49ers safety Antoine Bethea was named the conference’s defensive player of the week.