San Francisco 49ers: 5 Steps the Offense Needs to Take in Week 4
By Robert Smith
No. 2: Converting More Third Downs
By now, it’s no secret that the 49ers continue to struggle on third down. That cannot continue to happen or they will be lucky to win another game this season.
They converted just four of 15 third downs against the Seahawks. The Seahawks have an aggressive, pressing defense that will continue to squeeze an offense if they feel there is no fear of the QB beating them downfield.
The lack of true playmakers and Blaine Gabbert’s inaccuracy has limited the play-calling to mostly short screens and five- or 10-yard patterns for the receivers. Even when the receivers are able to shake free, Gabbert is not able to complete passes beyond 10 yards.
With the run game struggling for consistency as well, the offense is being stuffed on third down. This leads to quite a few 3-and-outs, as witnessed in portions of the second and third quarters of the Rams, Panthers and Seahawks games.
In fact, the 49ers have had 41 drives, with 15 ending in a 3-and-out, ranking 31st in the NFL at a 35.71-percent clip. In comparison, the Redskins are first with just over six percent of drives ending in three and outs.
The Niners needs to continue to look for ways of getting first downs, whether that is running some crossing routes that Gabbert can complete to receivers in stride or looking to the middle of the field for the tight end in order to move the chains.
With receiver Jeremy Kerley showing quickness and reliability as a major target for Gabbert, the ball needs to touch his hands more often. If they can move the chains and have the availability to continue using the run game into the fourth quarter, it opens up play action and the threat of the zone read.
This can get defenses on their heels, force them to drop a little deeper against the receivers, allowing the Niner receivers more space off the line of scrimmage to provide safe passing lanes for Gabbert to throw into.
But Gabbert needs to be able to accurately deliver the ball. His inaccuracy this past Sunday caused major hits on McDonald, Celek and Kerley.
With the lack of depth at receiver, the team cannot afford to lose too many more players to injury.