49ers: 5 stats San Francisco needs to improve in 2018

5 stats the San Francisco 49ers need to improve in 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Eric Reid #35 celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Defensive-Forced Interceptions

Pressure up front typically equates to opposing quarterbacks throwing the ball too early and often missing the mark.

And that can lead to turnovers, obviously.

It’s a hand-in-glove situation here, but the lack of a pass rush certainly didn’t help the 49ers’ interception numbers from 2017. Overall, the Niners defense generated just 10 picks last season — tied for sixth fewest in the league.

Three players — safety Eric Reid, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong — all led the team with two interceptions apiece. Armstrong is no longer with the team, and Reid is unsigned for this season.

It’s been a long time since the Niners had a ball-hawk defensive back anyway, putting the need for an aggressive defensive back high on San Francisco’s offseason wish list.

Whether it be via free agency or the 2018 NFL Draft, look for the 49ers to make some key moves to address this stat category.