Niner Noise
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5 biggest problems facing the 49ers in 2019 so far

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Pressure by defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams forces an incomplete pass by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Pressure by defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams forces an incomplete pass by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball after getting hit low by Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Offensive Turnovers

OK, the lack of wide receiver production isn’t the only problem. In fact, it’s one of three major ones Kyle Shanahan is facing entering Week 7 and beyond.

It’s gotten better as of late, particularly after an ugly five-turnover game in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But that doesn’t change the fact the 49ers have had some offensive issues protecting the ball this season.

San Francisco has turned the ball over 10 times already this season which, by a per-game basis, ranks seventh worst in the league.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s five interceptions on the year are tied for ninth most, which isn’t terrible, but his 3.4 interception percentage is sixth highest and even ahead of the interception-prone Rams quarterback, Jared Goff (2.8).

The Niners have been able to survive this, thanks largely to their defense being able to force takeaways, too. San Francisco still has a plus-0.4 turnover differential, which is 10th best in the league.

If Garoppolo and the 49ers offense protect the ball a bit better moving forward, the offensive sky should be the limit.

Until the 20-yard line, at least.