Check on checkdowns: Where 49ers’ Gabbert ranks on fruitless 3rd-down completions

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Yes, 49ers fans, we know what you think: No quarterback throws more maddening third-down completions than Blaine Gabbert.

As it turns out, that’s not quite true -- at least not so far this season.

Gabbert, whose penchant for throwing third-down passes short of the first-down sticks has been well-documented, has had 47.1 percent (8 of 17) of his third-down completions result in first downs, according to ProFootballReference.com.

That’s not good. But it’s not the worst percentage in the NFL.

Of the 30 quarterbacks who have at least 10 third-down completions, Gabbert’s percentage ranks 27th ahead of Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton (45.8), Jacksonville’s Blake Bortles (44.4) and Minnesota’s Sam Bradford (42.9).

In fact, Gabbert has improved in this department. In 2015, just 37.5 percent (18 of 48) of his third-down completions resulted in first downs.

Still, Gabbert’s third-down numbers aren’t pretty: Of the 30 quarterbacks with at least 10 third-down completions, he ranks 28th in completion percentage (53.1), 29th in passer rating (56.3) and 30th in yards per attempt (2.7).

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The anti-Gabbert? In 2016, it’s been San Diego’s Philip Rivers, who has had 86.7 percent of his third-down completions net first downs.

Here’s the full list:

Percentage of first downs on third-down completions

(Minimum 10 completions)

1. Philip Rivers, Chargers: 86.7 (13 first downs, 15 third-down completions)

2. Jimmy Garoppolo, Patriots: 85.7 (12-14)

3. Matthew Stafford, Lions: 84.2 (16-19)

4. Brock Osweiler, Texans: 83.3 (15-18)

T5. Andrew Luck, Colts: 81.3 (13-16)

T5. Eli Manning, Giants: 81.3 (13-16)

T7. Trevor Siemian, Broncos: 78.6 (11-14)

T7. Russell Wilson, Seahawks: 78.6 (11-14)

T9. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: 77.3 (17-22)

T9. Joe Flacco, Ravens: 77.3 (17-22)

T11. Carson Palmer, Cardinals: 76.5 (13-17)

T11. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: 76.5 (13-17)

13. Cam Newton, Panthers: 75.0 (15-20)

14. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers: 73.7 (14-19)

15. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets: 72.2 (13-18)

16. Marcus Mariota, Titans: 70.1 (12-17)

17. Dak Prescott, Cowboys: 70.0 (16-23)

18. Derek Carr, Raiders: 68.8 (11-16)

T19. Kirk Cousins, Washington: 66.7 (14-21)

T19. Matt Ryan, Falcons: 66.7 (10-15)

T21. Alex Smith, Chiefs: 60.0 (9-15)

T21. Carson Wentz, Eagles: 60.0 (9-15)

23. Case Keenum, Rams: 57.2 (8-14)

24. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins: 55.0 (11-20)

25. Tyrod Taylor, Bills: 53.8 (7-13)

26. Drew Brees, Saints: 52.9 (9-17)

27. Blaine Gabbert, 49ers: 47.1 (8-17)

28. Andy Dalton, Bengals: 45.8 (11-24)

29. Blake Bortles, Jaguars: 44.4 (8-18)

30. Sam Bradford, Vikings: 42.9 (6-14)

Source: ProFootballReference.com