49ers: Analyzing Kyle Shanahan’s fourth-down decisions
By Chris Wilson
Third Fourth-Down Attempt
After the Panthers’ third field goal, the 49ers take over at their 25-yard line. Brian Hoyer completes two passes, and the Niners have a first down at their 41-yard line.
On first down, Hoyer misses a wide open Pierre Garçon after the receiver puts quite the move on safety Kurt Coleman:
On second down, Hoyer manages to get the ball out quickly to receiver Aldrick Robinson, who takes the pass for a 7-yard gain:
With three yards to go, Hoyer finally has a clean pocket but forces a questionable pass in Robinson’s direction instead of looking to an uncovered Garçon:
With the 49ers in desperation mode, they have no choice but to go for it from their 48-yard line.
Garçon runs a nice route, makes the corner miss, and takes the pass for a 22-yard gain:
From a play-calling standpoint, this was a good set of downs. Hoyer made mistakes on first and third down, but executed on second and fourth down, and allowed his receivers to do the rest.