49ers: Analyzing Kyle Shanahan's fourth-down decisions

49ers: Analyzing Kyle Shanahan’s fourth-down decisions

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Levis Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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.