The San Francisco 49ers defense has been inconsistent at best this season, but one area they have had tremendous success is on third and short. ESPN’s NFL Matchup program tweeted out the following stat showing the 49ers leading in smallest percentage of 3rd and 1 or 2-yard conversions given up.
I did some digging, and advanced analytics back this up as well. SB Nation’s Bill Connelly breaks down a host of advanced stats each week, and the 49ers defense ranks third in 3rd and short (1 yard to go) conversion percentage. Football Outsiders has a power success rate based on their adjusted line yards stat, that measures percentage of runs on third or fourth down, two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown.