Niner Noise
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
49ers TD
August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11, center) is congratulated by tight end Garrett Celek (88, left) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) for scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Third-Down Efficiency

This stat may just be the most important indicator of a team below or above the .500 mark. The difference between a 3-and-out and getting the ball back for your offense, and a team sustaining drives and getting into the end zone against your defense.

Once again, the 49ers ranked near the bottom of the NFL in this category, coming in 31st in third-down conversions in 2015.

And while the Niners may not have the big name receiver or top-tier QB like most prolific NFL offenses do, Chip Kelly’s innovative play-calling and zone-blocking scheme should ignite a stagnant 49er offense. If Blaine Gabbert is quick and decisive in his reads, the offense should be able to matriculate the ball down the field and hopefully into the end zone.

And as for the zone-blocking scheme, Carlos Hyde should see some great lanes to run through. Much like LeSean McCoy did on his way to leading the league in rushing in Kelly’s first year in Philly.

Not only would converting on third down benefit the offense and control the clock, but it could also give the Niners defense more of a breather.

Even with the offense operating at breakneck speed.

One cannot help but note the irony when the Niners were playing for championships just a few short seasons ago they decided to go with Colin Kaepernick to create more explosive plays than what Alex Smith was seemingly capable of creating.

Now, they are just trying to get back to the short passing game and efficiency that Smith was able to bring to the offense under former head coach Jim Harbaugh.

If they can extend drives and keep the opposing team’s defense on the field, it should allow for more scoring opportunities for the team in 2016.

Which leads me to the final point of emphasis.

Next: No. 1: Red-Zone Efficiency