“It was third-and-16, not the best situation to be in. Usually, you’re not feeling great in those situations.” Kyle Shanahan’s post-game comments certainly resonated with the media, because that’s exactly the same thought I had when the 49ers were facing those situations.
How unlikely was it that the 49ers converted both of those? Per Elias Sports Bureau, only two teams have converted multiple third-down attempts of 15+ yards on a game-winning drive.
Per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, the 49ers’ offense did not have any success in similar down and distances this season. When facing a third down of at least 15 yards, the 49ers did not convert in any of their 20 attempts — until Saturday.