3 crazy 49ers stats in 2021 (and why they make absolutely no sense)
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers are highly efficient in the passing game
San Francisco is a run-first offense that, at least in recent weeks, will look to take control of the clock and impose its will on the ground.
Except that’s something of a false narrative when accounting for the full 2021 season.
The 49ers’ play list of 657 offensive snaps actually skews more towards the pass, 348 attempts compared to 285 rushing plays.
And while that might seem a bit hard to believe, an even harder-to-believe element is the fact the Niners have actually been successful moving the ball through the air, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt through 12 weeks.
For those paying attention, that’s third best in the league right now.
Despite his faults and shortcomings, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has actually showcased some quality game-management skills as of late, cutting down on turnovers and honing in on more passing touchdowns — a 7-to-2 ratio over the last four games. And while a massive 1,117 of his total 2,342 passing yards this season have come after the catch, it at least suggests Garoppolo is hitting receivers who have the opportunity to stretch that yards-per-attempt number into a greater figure.
Also assisting the next hard-to-believe stat.