Punter Andy Lee booted the ball for an average of 54.2 net yards in Sunday's 33-17 win over Seattle, which was the second-best mark in the NFL since 1976. The eighth-year veteran, who also serves as a holder on place-kicking attempts, spoke with 49ers.com about his big afternoon and the current state of 49ers special teams.
Q: Statistically speaking, you had one of the best punting days in NFL history last week against Seattle – is that something you pay attention to?
A: You definitely notice and you care about it. I've heard some people around here talking about the numbers and stuff. It's a cool thing, I guess. It is what it is. There's definitely some things that I wasn't 100 percent happy with, but you can't be upset with some of the numbers and everything. It worked out really nicely.
Q: What has it been like working with a respected veteran kicker like David Akers?
A: He's a great guy; we have a lot in common. He's easy to talk to, easy to get along with. I've learned a lot from him just watching his approach to the game and his approach to his craft. I think there's always something you can learn from watching a guy like him. I've picked up a lot of little things here and there and it gives me more appreciation for what I do just seeing how much he cares about his job. It's been all good stuff with David.
Q: More importantly, you've been working under a new head coach and a new special teams coordinator, how's that been so far?
A: Coach Harbaugh – he's a great guy and a great coach. He's energetic and I'm really excited to move forward under his leadership. There's nothing bad I can say about him, he's just a guy who loves football. It's going to be exciting and a fun ride. I can definitely see his energy rubbing on the team. As for Coach Brad Seely, there's definitely a lot to be learned from him. Having Coach Seely is going to help our special teams a lot. He's got a lot of enthusiasm, is very football-savvy. I look forward to working with him throughout the year.
Q: Long snapper Brian Jennings has been here for your entire career. How would you describe that dynamic?
A: I've known Brian for seven years now, going on eight. It's nice to have a familiarity in being comfortable with each other. I know what to expect out of his snapping. It's nice to have that consistency on a daily basis and know what you're going to get each and every day. And both of us really love golf so that's something that we talk about a lot and I pick his brain a lot. He's a smart guy, especially with nutrition and with politics and all this stuff. It's fun to learn some things like that.
Q: What are the keys to limiting the Cowboys in special teams this weekend?
A: On my part and David's part, we obviously have to have good kicks and put the ball where it needs to be. Coverage-wise, we just need to stay in our lanes and I think our guys have done really well in that aspect. Dallas has good returners, good special teams, a little different scheme than other teams run at times. Looking at the film, Dez Bryant looks like a good returner and I know they have a couple other guys who are really quick. They have athletes down there, but as long as we do what we have to do, I think we'll be fine.
