Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 statistics needing massive improvement in Week 4

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs during the first half of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals beat the 49ers 23-20. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs during the first half of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals beat the 49ers 23-20. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts the pass intended for Kelvin Benjamin #13 of the Carolina Panthers while Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers was also covering him at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts the pass intended for Kelvin Benjamin #13 of the Carolina Panthers while Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers was also covering him at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Turnovers

San Francisco has just one interception generated thus far into the season — a Week 1 interception by safety Jaquiski Tartt off Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

There have been some close moments, although the Niners defense has failed to generate these key turnovers off the passing game.

And with four forced fumbles, three of which have been recovered, it’s easy to see why this stat is a bit concerning.

A lack of a pass rush — we’ll get to that shortly — certainly plays a role. Pressured quarterbacks make mistakes, often forcing balls into areas where they shouldn’t go. It’s not hard to figure out.

But the other issue for interceptions is the ability for defensive backs to put themselves in positions where picks are possible. The 49ers have lacked a true ballhawk-type cornerback or safety for some time now, and those lack of results have started to show.

On the positive side of things, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has tossed four interceptions over two weeks of the season.