49ers: 3 big challenges San Francisco will face vs. Jaguars in Week 16

Jaguars vs. 49ers: 3 big challenges San Francisco will face in Week 16

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: #32 Kendall Hunter of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by #23 Alan Ball of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 27, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

No. 2: The 49ers Getting First Downs on Offense

Earlier this season, this particular challenge would have been impossible for the 49ers.

Fortunately, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has set a positive trend over his three starts this season, as indicated by the stat line below:

The #49ers have averaged 22 first downs per game with Jimmy Garoppolo starting.

Before that, the Niners averaged 18.5 per game this season.
— Peter Panacy (@PeterPanacy) December 18, 2017

Unfortunately, that trend could head back in the wrong direction in Week 16.

No other team in the NFL is allowing fewer first downs than the Jaguars. Heading into this weekend’s action, the Jags have given up just 220 stick movers on the year — an average of 15.7 per game.

A big reason why has been Jacksonville’s defensive efficiency on third downs. Per TeamRankings.com, the Jaguars defense allows a successful third-down conversion just 32.3 percent of the time — third best in the league.

Overcoming this will be vital to San Francisco’s success. And to do it, Garoppolo and the Niners will have to overcome a fearsome Jaguars pass rush.