Final proof of how much 49ers sucked this season

THIS was as good a sign as any of how far the mighty San Francisco 49ers fell during Jarryd Hayne’s rookie NFL season.

Final proof of how much 49ers sucked

TEAM award announcements after 5-11 seasons are never much fun — and so it proved with the San Francisco 49ers on Friday (AEDT).

In the final piece of evidence of just how miserable the team’s season was in the rookie years of Jarryd Hayne and now sacked head coach Jim Tomsula, San Francisco’s most valuable player award went to a balding 40-year-old.

That’s right, place-kicker Phil Dawson won the award named after legendary Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Walsh, which is voted on by coaches.

This is not taking anything away from Dawson — who made 24/27 field goals during a stellar season — but if your kicker is your MVP, it’s fair to say no one on offence or defence played particularly well.

Dawson himself admitted as much in his acceptance speech, saying “in most places, the kicker is just kind of an afterthought or a necessary evil”.

But he was honoured to win an award named after Walsh and proud of a season where two of his three misses were blocked. He also made 19 consecutive field goals at one point, the second-longest streak in franchise history.

“Any award with Bill Walsh’s name attached to it is a big deal,” Dawson said.

“In my three years in San Francisco, I’ve grown to learn even more about coach Walsh and respect him all the more. So, that’s a tremendous honour in and of itself. But, then to consider that the coaches were the ones voting on this, just puts it over the top. In most places, the kicker is just kind of an afterthought or a necessary evil.

“I’ve always tried to just be a football player and just come to work and do my job. This means quite a bit given the fact that I am a kicker. There are certainly other guys on the team who are deserving and I hold them in high regard. So, when you mix all that together, it’s a pretty special deal.”

Phil Dawson finished the season with a game-winning 23-yard field goal in overtime against the St Louis Rams.

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin won the player-voted Len Eshmont Award, given to the man who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 49ers’ 1946 team. Eshmont, who coached at Navy and Virginia following his career in San Francisco, died in 1957. The award was established that year.

“This really means a lot to me,” Boldin said. “Those are the guys that get a chance to see you everyday, day in and day out, get to see you put in work. So, it’s big to earn the respect of your peers and an honour that they voted me the winner.”

Boldin, who at age 35 made 69 receptions for 789 yards and scored four touchdowns, was also the team’s nominee for the league-wide Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The award, which is announced at the Super Bowl, recognises philanthropy and community involvement.

Jimmie Ward was named the most courageous and inspirational defensive player, Joe Staley recognised for his work on the offensive line, while Ian Williams (team unity) and NaVorro Bowman (courage) were also highlighted.

Safety Jaquiski Tartt beat Hayne to the Thomas Herrion Memorial Award, presented to a rookie or first-year player who best represents the dream of Thomas Herrion. The coach-voted gong goes to a player who has taken advantage of every opportunity, turned it into a positive situation and made their dream turn into a reality.

“It’s an honour to receive this award,” said Tartt, a former Samford Bulldog. “I accept this award with deep gratitude and want to thank the coaches for believing in me. Coming from a small school, people want to look down on you and don’t always want to provide an opportunity to play in the NFL. I’m so thankful they gave me a chance to play at the next level.”

Originally published as Final proof of how much 49ers sucked this season