Silver lining for Shanahan: 4th down decision making

Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports Coming off a three-game skid and a bye week has left plenty of time for fans to become harsh critics of Shanahan’s every move; his roster-building, his depth chart handling, and his playcalling. While there are fair complaints to be levied in each area, it’s important to remember that if just a couple of plays go the other way in only one of these contests, the Niners would be in playoff position, and the panic button would be firmly un-pushed.

It may have felt like the wheels have been spinning in the mud for a month now, but there was a positive progression in Shanahan’s style, which has long represented a blind spot for the coach. Going for it on fourth-down…