In some ways, it doesn't make any sense how the San Francisco 49ers are 4-1 over the first five weeks despite another major rash of injuries and in light of two specific stats that completely defy logic.
Regarding those stats, it's been essentially forever since an NFL team reached this point in the season with neither a rushing touchdown nor an interception generated on defense.
Like, since 1940.
At least one of those lowly stats is probably going to continue when the Niners square off against their next opponent, the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Week 6.
Buccaneers don't toss interceptions, 49ers can't generate them
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield is playing at an MVP-caliber level over the first quarter-plus of the regular season, and one of the main reasons is because he doesn't turn the ball over.
Mayfield has tossed just one pick on the season, and it came during Tampa Bay's lone loss of the year to the Philadelphia Eagles back in Week 4, which could be a direct correlation to San Francisco's own hopes for pulling off a victory.
Putting it bluntly, if the 49ers intercept Mayfield, they win, right?
If the inevitable law of averages pan out, sure. The Niners are bound to end their historic no-interception streak at some point, while Mayfield assuredly will toss more than just one pick before the regular season concludes. And it might come easier with some of the quarterback's favorite weapons likely out for the contest, namely wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, both of whom are dealing with injuries.
Additionally, San Francisco's defense is expected to get a major boost with the return of second-year safety Malik Mustapha, who's anticipated return from last year's ACL tear should beef up coordinator Robert Saleh's secondary.
That said, the 49ers haven't exactly trended in the right direction on the turnover front, and that sad streak is probably closer to continuing rather than ending when they face off against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 12.