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49ers vs. Colts: 5 Takeaways for San Francisco in Week 5

By Robert Smith

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass during first quarter of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass during first quarter of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 08: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs past John Simon #51 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 08: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs past John Simon #51 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Third-down efficiency woes continue

This has been a problem for this franchise for a few years now, but even with a coaching change and an overhaul of personnel, the 49ers continue to have issues converting third downs. And when that occurs, you leave your defense on the field longer, and make them tired and vulnerable as the game goes on.

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This season, the 49ers are ranked 31st in the league in that category, converting less than 30 percent of the time. Even with a mediocre veteran quarterback, Brian Hoyer, and average receivers (Pierre Garcon excluded), that is not acceptable.

Even after a productive fourth quarter that saw the 49ers put up 17 points, the team still converted just four times in 14 attempts on third down Sunday.

Whether it is inaccurate passes, dropped balls or critical penalties, the Niners just can’t seem to extend drives consistently. And with five more opponents currently in the top 10 in points per game, the 49ers will need to extend drives and put up points to give themselves a chance to win.

That means head coach Kyle Shanahan will need to continue to find ways to help Hoyer and the offense stay on the field on third down. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk and rookie George Kittle may continue to see their roles expand going forward. Kittle, in particular, had a breakout performance, catching seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

If the 49ers can limit their penalties and stay out of 3rd-and-long situations, it will keep Hoyer from feeling the need to force throws downfield. And with his inconsistent accuracy, that may prove vital to the 49ers’ chances of getting their first win.