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5 Keys to the 49ers Finding Success In 2016

By Robert Smith

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Win The Turnover Battle

While it is no secret successful teams overwhelmingly turn the ball over fewer times than their opponents. The 49ers proved that theory in 2015.

The Niners ranked 23rd last year with just 12 takeaways for the entire season. Their lone saving grace was that they only turned the ball over 17 times, for a minus-five differential.

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That simply is not going to get it done.

For comparison’s sake, the Carolina Panthers led the league with a plus-20 turnover differential.

Now, the Niners are not lacking talent along the defense. So these numbers should improve as the young players continue to develop.

With Jimmie Ward slated to start at defensive back, and a healthy Tramaine Brock back at the other corner position, the Niners may be able to generate a few more turnovers in the defensive secondary.

Safety Eric Reid — who had seven interceptions in his first two seasons, but did not record one in 2015 — will look to get back on track as well.

Also, with the addition of 2016 first-round draft pick DeForest Buckner teaming with second-year defensive tackle Arik Armstead, the 49ers are hoping to generate more pressure up front.

Add to that the seeming emergence of 2013 second-round pick Tank Carradine at the outside linebacker position, and the eventual return of outside linebacker Aaron Lynch from his four game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and the Niners should be able to pressure opposing QBs into throwing into coverage and allowing the defensive secondary to make plays on the ball.

After intercepting the football just nine times last year, the 49ers secondary has nowhere to go but up in 2016.

Next: No. 4: Running The Ball Effectively