5 things 49ers must do to make playoffs this season
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers must get into the positive for turnover differential
It’s not rocket science. But when the 49ers turn the ball over more than they’re able to generate defensive takeaways, they usually lose. Week 9’s abysmal home loss to a depleted Arizona Cardinals squad, one in which the Niners turned the ball over three times, was perfectly indicative of this.
Towards the end of that skid from earlier this season, San Francisco had a minus-9 turnover differential, which was next to worst in the league and only above the lowly New York Jets, who were at minus-12.
Since then, the 49ers have worked their way back towards respectability in this department, currently sitting at a minus-4 turnover differential.
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Not great still, but a tremendous mark of improvement.
Over their recent three-game win streak, the Niners have generated six defensive takeaways while losing just one turnover. Of its six wins this season, San Francisco has turned the ball over just three times compared to losing 12 turnovers in its five losses.
A notable difference.
If the 49ers want to get into the playoff dance, the simple objective should be to get back into the positive turnover differential. That’ll make it happen.