FORCING TURNOVERS

Key numbers:

-The 49ers forced 20 turnovers (22nd).

-10.1 percent of their defensive drives resulted in turnovers (21st).

-49ers had 10 interceptions (26th) and 10 fumbles (13th).

This one doesn’t require a whole lot of analysis. Forcing turnovers is a vital characteristic to any good defense. The Jaguars were first in the league for most of the year before finishing second, making things easier for Blake Bortles and Jacksonville’s offense.

Baltimore finished with a league-leading 32 turnovers, nearly parlaying that into a playoff berth despite ranking 27th in total offensive yardage.

To continue an ongoing theme: improved production from the pass rush and cornerbacks should have a drastic impact on turnover totals, highlighting the team’s key needs on defense that will likely be addressed in both the NFL draft and free agency.