David Akers has been struggling this season with the 49ers, but he has an optimistic approach towards the Super Bowl. He said he will remember the hard work he had throughout this year.
"I'm going to be positive about this game," said Akers. "Our team is 60 minutes away from possibly being a world champion. After being to seven NFC Championship games, to win one is a neat experience."
This will be the second Super Bowl Akers will be playing in where his last appearance was in the 2004 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Akers said he has felt good throughout practice and the entire season but it has been a head scratcher for missing kicks in games. Last week against the Atlanta Falcons, he missed a 38-yard attempt that bounced off the left upright.
"I've felt good all year, just doing the same thing in practice that we've done all season," said Akers. "I just wish those points would've counted in the games. I've done well before the game and in practice."
Jim Harbaugh backed Akers when speaking with the media on Friday at the press conference. He reiterated Akers' statements about playing well in practice and pre-game.
"He's a competitor and football player," said Harbaugh. "We have faith in David and he's done great things for our team. He's consistently hit the ball well for weeks. All we can do is [get the] snap [down] and give great protection. [If that happens,] we'll have confidence that the ball goes in."
In his last five games, Akers has missed five out of 12 field goal attempts. During the NFC Division playoff round against the Packers, the 49ers signed Billy Cundiff to promote competition. The 49ers released Cundiff two days before the NFC Championship game against the Falcons and he is not allowed to return per NFL rules.
Akers feels confident heading into the Super Bowl and knows the 49ers have worked hard all year for this game. Despite his struggles, he is looking ahead to one last game.
"I haven't had the same success as other years," said Akers. "But if we end up winning this, it would be one of the coolest team seasons to be a part of. I will forget the fact of [my struggles in] 2012 and look forward to 2013."
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