Factoid
The 49ers did something very unusual last year. They converted less than 30 percent of their third downs, and they still managed to go 13-3.
Give the credit there to good defense and the ability to avoid turnovers. But they can’t count on continuing to win games while being that unsuccessful in those kind of situations (which is probably why they signed Randy Moss on Monday).
In the last 10 years, only 20 teams have finished at less than 30 percent on third downs. Only one other team finished with a winning record (the 2005 Bears, with rookie Kyle Orton at quarterback). One other team finished with an 8-8 record. The other 17 teams, however, averaged only 4.4 wins (and 11.6 losses).
Fixing third downs, it seems, is a priority in San Francisco.
TEAMS CONVERTING UNDER 30 PERCENT ON THIRD DOWNS, LAST 10 YEARS
Pct Year Team (win-loss record)
24.0% 2005 San Francisco (4-12)
24.0% 2002 Dallas (5-11)
25.1% 2004 Chicago (5-11)
25.8% 2009 Buffalo (6-10)
25.8% 2002 Houston (4-12)
27.3% 2009 Kansas City (4-12)
27.8% 2010 Arizona (5-11)
28.1% 2011 St. Louis (2-14)
28.5% 2008 Oakland (5-11)
28.6% 2002 Carolina (7-9)
28.8% 2008 Detroit (0-16)
28.8% 2005 Chicago (11-5)
29.1% 2004 Cleveland (4-12)
29.3% 2010 Washington (6-10)
29.4% 2011 San Francisco (13-3)
29.5% 2004 NY Giants (6-10)
29.6% 2009 Oakland (5-11)
29.6% 2002 Detroit (3-13)
29.8% 2009 San Francisco (8-8)
29.9% 2003 Atlanta (5-11)
—Ian Allan
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