March 26, 2018 Chris Wilson
After the 2017 NFL regular season, I performed a study on the Jimmy Garoppolo Effect — the effect that the San Francisco 49ers’ new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had on the 49ers’ offense during the 2017 season. The study focused on three key offensive statistics that are indicators of a potent offense: yards-per-drive, points-per-drive and scoring percentage.
I detailed the results of the Jimmy Garoppolo Effect study in two articles:
- The Jimmy Garoppolo Effect: 49ers’ 2017 yards-per-drive statistical breakdown
- The Jimmy Garoppolo Effect: 49ers’ 2017 points-per-drive and scoring percentage statistical breakdown
Here are a few key excerpts from the articles:
The Jimmy Garoppolo Effect on 49ers yards-per-drive
“With quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and C.J. Beathard under center, the 49ers averaged just 26.6 yards-per-drive, which is still an improvement over the previous year. But once Garoppolo was handed the reigns, the Niners’ numbers skyrocketed to over 42 yards-per-drive — more than both the top-ranked Patriots, and even Shanahan’s 2016 Falcons.”
The Jimmy Garoppolo Effect on 49ers points-per-drive
“In 2017, the 49ers finished the season near the middle of the pack with 1.8 points-per-drive, but they struggled pre-Garoppolo, managing just 1.4 points-per-drive — even less than their 1.6 points-per-drive in 2016. However, with Garoppolo under center, the 49ers averaged 2.9 points-per-drive, topping even the league-leading Patriots.”
The Jimmy Garoppolo Effect on 49ers scoring percentage
“For perspective, NFL teams scored on 35 percent of their drives in 2017. With Garoppolo under center, the 49ers kicked field goals on an outlandish 36 percent of their drives, converting as many field goal attempts in five weeks as six other NFL teams did in 16 games. Plus, Garoppolo’s 49ers scored touchdowns on an additional 26 percent of their drives — good for fourth highest in the league.
In 2017, 62 percent of Garoppolo’s drives ended in a score.” 
The results of the Jimmy Garoppolo Effect study — particularly the above charts — went somewhat viral among the 49ers, NFL and fantasy football communities. Feel free to use any of the information included in the study — including the above charts; and sourcing is always appreciated.
All statistics were compiled using data provided by multiple sources, including Pro Football Reference, ESPN and Football Outsiders.