5 Keys to the 49ers Finding Success In 2016

No. 1: Red-Zone Efficiency

The only way to beat an opponent is to have more points than they do at the end of the game.

OK, so that was a little sarcastic. But in many ways, it can be that simple.

Now this issue actually dates back even before the Jim Harbaugh era. But, even during his tenure, the Niners were successful despite problems pushing the ball across the goal line. The difference was they had a top-ranked defense which forced turnovers and kept the games close.

That was not the case last year. The defense faltered and the offense could not generate first downs nor generate points.

Enter Chip Kelly. Now they Eagles did slip to No. 13 in points scored in 2015 under Kelly, his final season in Philly. But the two previous seasons saw the team rank fourth and third, respectively, in points per game.

And even with Harbaugh’s success here in San Francisco, the team consistently had play-clock issues and were often falling short in the red zone.

Torrey Smith and Quinton Patton will be the team’s starters Week 1 versus the Los Angeles Rams. But it may be another 49er who could impact the game for this offense.

Enter Vance McDonald.

I know, I know. He makes Roberto Duran’s hands seem like those of a day spa massage therapist. But the truth is, he has shown flashes of true ability through the preseason.

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Now, yes, it is only the preseason. But when watching the games, one cannot deny he looks much more the part of a receiving tight end than he has in his first two mostly disappointing seasons. He has been a very good blocker but has really seemed to make strides catching the ball and using his size to put space between him and his defender.

If that continues to be the case, the offense just may be able to find mismatches for McDonald to exploit near the goal line.

Coming into the preseason, it was the team’s hope that not only would DeAndre Smelter have an impact at the receiver position. But free-agent CFL star Eric Rogers could step into the red-zone threat role the team has lacked since the days of Terrell Owens.

Unfortunately, Smelter could not shake the injury bug and came to an injury settlement with the team and was given his release. And Rogers tore his ACL and is finished before he could even get started.

If Carlos Hyde and Mike Davis can bully their way in to the end zone on short yardage. and with Kelly’s imaginative play-calling, this offense should be able generate quite a few more points in the red zone.

And that would be a welcomed change Niner fans have been hoping for these past few years.

Next: Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Keys to a San Francisco Victory

All statistics, records, and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com, and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.