But big tackles – just like big kicks and returns – can change the tide of a game, especially when teams are evenly matched, as they theoretically are in a Super Bowl.

“It goes both ways. It really can spark your team and the stadium,” said Harbaugh. “We’ve had a couple of instances where we’ve been on the wrong end of that – you feel that the other way, too. One thing Mike talks about is just the complementary football – which is cliché, but like most clichés, they’re that way because they’re true. … When you have a great play on special teams, and then the offense goes and punches it in after a long return, or the kickoff team gets a really violent tackle at the 25-yard line – you just kind of build that momentum.

“The team feeds off each other, it’s like a family in that sense.”

Brenden Schooler, an All-Pro special teams player who succeeded the great Matthew Slater in New England, has admired Harbaugh and the Seahawks from afar.

“I mean, (Seattle) literally flips a game in one play. You just feel the energy shift,” Schooler told USA TODAY Sports. “Being on the short end of that stick is not fun.”

He added Harbaugh and the Seahawks are “ahead of the curve” while scheming blocks on kickoff returns.

“I’ve watched them all year long,” said Schooler, “it’s been a lot of fun to watch those guys go to work.”

New England special teams coach Jeremy Springer told USA TODAY Sports: “They’ve got the right pieces in the right places – Jay’s done an unbelievable job for them.”

Patriots also thrive on special teams

In addition to Schooler, the Pats also have an All-Pro player in the third phase, return ace Marcus Jones – one of the team’s captains who also doubles as a slot cornerback.

“It’s like having a really good quarterback – you always have the opportunity to score,” Springer said of the impact of a dangerous return man. “When you have a really good returner back there, guys just block harder. Because they know, they don’t want to be the block that doesn’t spring the guy to a touchdown – so your guys play harder for him.

“He just elevates the team.”

While Springer lauded Shaheed’s speed and acceleration, he believes the gift possessed by Jones, who has three punt return TDs in four NFL seasons, is setting up his blocks.

New England is less experienced in the kicking game, long snapper Julian Ashby and kicker Andy Borregales both rookies – though Springer says both are “even keel” and not effectively rookies at this stage of the season.

“We’ve got some good players, too, and at the end of the day, it’s gonna be an identity war,” said Springer, “their identity on special teams and our identity.”

Will opportunity knock in the Super Bowl?

It’s been nearly three decades since Green Bay Packers returner Desmond Howard was named the MVP of Super Bowl 31, the only special teamer who’s ever garnered that honor. If someone is to replicate it Sunday, the key is being prepared to maximize a chance.

“As a specialist, returner – you can’t really force the game,” said Myers. “So you’ve just got to be ready for your opportunity.”

Newly elected Hall of Fame kicker Adam Vinatieri was a frequent Super Bowl hero for the Patriots. Ten players have returned a kickoff all the way, but none since Seattle’s Percy Harvin 12 years ago.

No one has ever returned a punt for a TD in the Super Bowl. Springer also notes that teams are generally at the point of the season when it’s harder to get quality special teams repetitions in practice.

“It’s pretty likely that if you’re on offense or defense, there’s something that you’re dying to call – that you’ve worked on and you’ve schemed up, (and) you’re probably gonna get to call it,” said Harbaugh, explaining that executing a specific special teams play requires so many conditions to be in proper alignment.

“You’ve got be ready to take advantage of the moment when it comes. That’s part of the nature of the beast for us.”

Unlike Candlestick Park, the 49ers’ previous home, Levi’s Stadium – the Super Bowl 60 venue, far removed from the windier bay – isn’t known for erratic conditions that can play havoc with the kicking game. Frankly, it’s much warmer and calmer than Seattle or New England at this time of year.

Maybe what’s expected to be ideal weather can foster a big play from the unsung guys often viewed as having suboptimal NFL jobs.

“I think you’ve got to be a little crazy to do this, running full speed into somebody. At the end of the day, man, it’s doing whatever you can to help the team – whether that’s me running down as a gunner, me covering kicks, blocking for Marcus,” said Schooler.

“It’s whatever you can do to help the team.”

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