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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Key Stats to Watch for the Upcoming 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jaquiski Tartt, 49ers
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) makes an interception on a pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: The Turnover Differential

2015 Turnover Differential: minus-5

One of the best ways to ensure a scoring differential stays manageable is to create turnovers on defense, thus giving the offense more chances to score, and limit a team’s own turnovers as well.

San Francisco’s minus-5 turnover differential was tied for 22nd in the league last season.

On a positive note, the 49ers committed only 17 turnovers on offense in 2015, which was fourth best in the NFL. But the Niners couldn’t generate any turnovers of their own. In this stat line, San Francisco recorded just 12 takeaways — second to last in the league.

Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) intercepts a touchdown pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) intercepts a touchdown pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Opposing quarterbacks tossed just nine interceptions against the 49ers defense — tied for 26th.

With cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Kenneth Acker tied with three picks apiece, it’s pretty clear San Francisco is lacking ball-hawking defenders to force the picks.

But a lot of this also has to do with the lack of a pass rush. Keep in mind, a secondary is only as good as its pass rush. If given enough time, a quarterback will eventually find an open receiver if the latter is allowed to fully run a route and create separation.

As separation increases, the chance for an interception decreases.

So look for the 49ers to try and create more pressure up front, thereby forcing early throws and opening up the door for poorly thrown passes.

Oh, and some strips and forced fumbles — San Francisco had just five last year and recovered three — would be helpful too.

Next: No. 3: Run-Blocking Efficiency