Boldin, Dawson Proving To Be Nice Acquisitions For Niners
SANTA CLARA (CBS Sports) -- You watch San Francisco 49ers wide receiver acquisition Anquan Boldin flash across the middle of the practice field, then turn to snag a Colin Kaepernick dart, and the first thing that comes to mind is: How in the world did the Baltimore Ravens let this guy get away?
"I was actually thinking that to myself," said safety Donte Whitner. "How did they let him go? I don't know what their plan was or what happened over there. But he's a top-notch wide receiver in the National Football League. He showed it in the Super Bowl and he showed it all season long."
Now every afternoon it seems Bolden's the guy on the end of most of Kaepernick's deliveries -- just as the injured Michael Crabtree was a year ago.
READ MORE from CBS Sports on why Boldin is emerging as the solution to the Crabtree dilemma.
Now, to one of the most under-the-radar free-agent additions of this year that could pay off big for the 49ers.
Introducing Phil Dawson, and you're thinking: A kicker? Big deal. Well, actually, it could be. Because Dawson can make kicks David Akers did not a year ago, and that might mean one or two more victories for the 49ers.
"Dawson will have a great year there," predicts Dallas Cowboys special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia.
Dawson is coming off the best season of his career. He kicked in Cleveland for 49ers' assistant head coach and special-teams coordinator Brad Seely, so there's familiarity there. And he's not only accurate, hitting 84 percent of his field goals, but he's used to extreme weather -- a plus for anyone operating in windy Candlestick Park.
READ MORE from CBS Sports on why Dawson has big value to the Niners.
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