San Francisco 49ers: 5 Burning Questions Entering Week 3
By Robert Smith
No. 1: Can the 49ers Convert on Third Down?
While the 49ers third-down conversion rate places them 18th in the NFL to date, if you have watched the first two games, you know that the team has had long stretches of 3-and-outs during the middle parts of the game (late second through third quarters).
In fact, the 49ers and Rams both struggled, combining for eight 3-and-outs during a second- and third-quarter stretch.
Follow that up with seven Niner punts with four 3-and-outs, a fumble and two interceptions against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and the issue becomes a bit clearer.
So, why are they struggling and how do they fix it?
The simple answer is the quarterbacking has just not been good. Blaine Gabbert’s QB rating so far is 74.4, placing him near the bottom five in the NFL. He needs to be better. And by better, I mean more accurate.
Only two QBs (Shaun Hill and Case Keenum) rate lower than his 54.9 completion percentage so far this year.
Now, truth be told, the 49ers are lacking skill position playmakers at wide receiver. However, head coach Chip Kelly has given Gabbert and the offense opportunities to make plays. But Gabbert has struggled with accuracy.
Such as numerous plays (a long attempt to Torrey Smith down the middle that flew well out of Smith’s range) and short hops to Jeremy Kerley and Vance McDonald that were drive-killers.
In the coming weeks, the 49ers will be facing the Cardinals, Saints, Patriots, Cowboys and Falcons. All these teams have big-play capability and QBs who are very accurate. In fact, all of these QBs are completing well over 60 percent of their passes this season.
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If the 49ers are going to have success with the toughest schedule in the NFL, they will need more consistent offensive production, more big plays, an ability to extend drives on third down and allowing the defense to rest for longer periods of time.
The 49ers showed that they can be pesky and will fight to the final seconds tick off the clock. But to actually win games against some of the better teams in the NFL, they need to find answers to some of these questions.
With a crafty head coach, a talented defense and some better execution, they just may surprise a few teams this season and grab a few more wins than expected.
Next: Why WR Jeremy Kerley Will Emerge as 49ers No. 1 Option
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.