Niner Noise
FanSided

5 stats where the 49ers actually performed well in 2017

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a catch at the seven yard line of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a catch at the seven yard line of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Offensive Third-Down Efficiency

38.89 percent — 16th in the NFL

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

OK, so we’re bending the rules of our own criteria a bit, as the 49ers finished about in the middle of the pack on third downs.

Overall, the Niners ended up with a 38.89 third-down conversion rate, according to TeamRankings.com — good for 16th in the league. But if we look at the splits, after Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start against the Chicago Bears in Week 13, that number jumps up to a 35-of-70 mark over the rest of 2017.

In other words, 50 percent, which would have ranked No. 1 in the entire NFL had it stretched over 17 weeks.

A great case example was how the Niners went 10-of-15 on third downs against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 — a major reason why San Francisco was able to hang 44 points against the league’s top scoring defense, and a unit that held opponents to just over a 33-percent conversion rate in 2017.

Garoppolo’s ability to find third-down weapons, like wide receiver Trent Taylor, was crucial. And it will be a major factor in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense next year.