NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Startling TD stat shows how 49ers stars declined from 2023 to 2024 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
There really is a lot that seems inexplicable about the 49ers’ fall this season.
San Francisco was the top team in the NFC last year. It clinched the top seed in the conference with a 12-4 record before resting many of its starters for the final game of the regular season.
After 12 games this season, the 49ers are 5-7 and barely holding onto a mathematical chance of returning to the postseason.
They have struggled on special teams throughout the season. That cannot be debated.
And while the offensive and defensive total-yardage numbers are not too far off from a year ago, there are two areas in which the team has taken a precipitous drop.
The 49ers have fallen off considerably in scoring from last season. They are scoring a touchdown per game fewer on offense while giving up a touchdown more on defense.
In both cases, it can be traced to poor play within the red zone. The 49ers’ defense ranks 31st in the NFL, giving up touchdowns on 70.7 percent of the opposition’s trips inside the 49ers’ 20-yard line.
The drop has been even more significant on offense. Last year, the 49ers’ red zone production was best in the NFL. They scored touchdowns on 68 percent of their red-zone opportunities. This season, the 49ers rank 27th at 48.9 percent.
The biggest reason for the 49ers’ drop can be traced to Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
Last season, those three playmakers combined for 40 touchdowns.
McCaffrey, the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year, had 14 touchdowns rushing and seven receiving.
Samuel added 12 touchdowns (seven receiving, five rushing), and Aiyuk caught seven touchdown passes.
Through 12 games, those three have combined for just two touchdowns. Samuel produced both touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing).
And Samuel is the only one of those three who can add to that touchdown total over the final five games of the regular…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/startling-td-stat-shows-49ers-211235259.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-12-05 21:12:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
