Place kicking is such a strange little self-contained sub-world in the football universe. As a component of the 'special teams,' it has it's own dedicated personnel. The timing and chemistry between the long snapper, holder and kicker is a unique specialized kind of operation that has little room for error. If the snap or hold are slightly off-target the kicker has to make a split second adjustment in body positioning and eye adjustment while trying to maintain his body rhythm. All with rushers bearing down from tnree directions.

Of course, they practice all the time and learn to compensate and adjust. But a lot of times if you look closely, no two kicks are ever quite the same in just these basic mechanics. The ball may be slightly higher or lower, off to the left or right. The holder may have to spin the ball more or less quickly.Not to mention the adjustments needed for the different distances and angles. And the confidence of the entire special team is affected by success or failures, not just the kicker.

All this just shows that even though the play just takes a couple of seconds, a lot is going on. The fact that NFL level kickers and specialists are so 'automatic' so often is a credit to their skills and work effort.

It's easy to just think bringing a different kicker in will solve all problems. And in the case of the Niners, I do place most of the blame on Akers. Lee and Jennings have been very consistent for a long time. But a kicker without confidence is possibly the weakest component on any team, given the spotlight and circumstances they are in. Fans always expect the automatic three points, and have no patience for habitual failure.

I just think if they do bring in a new kicker that they do it soon so he can get in as much practice as possible with the rest of the unit. And that it's a veteran who has faced pressure games before.

Disclosure. I was a backup long snapper in high school.Left handed, no less. I had a great spin on the ball and was always consistent, but I was small for the position and always had to struggle just to not get bowled over. Not much of a glamour position or much fun either. But versatility helped get me a spot on the roster of a first place team.

And keep an eye of the point-after-TD unit the split second they're on camera after a convert. Notice how the kicker, holder and a few others shake hands or celebrate the play that always has to be made. Every football play requires tons of work and practice to make it look automatic.