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49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Players to Watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) misses the catch against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Lev'i's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) misses the catch against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Lev'i's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers face a Herculean task of defeating the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. To preview this contest, Niner Noise takes a look at five players the 49ers will need to perform well in this road contest.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) calls out over guard Zane Beadles (68) and tackle Joe Staley (74) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) calls out over guard Zane Beadles (68) and tackle Joe Staley (74) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers beating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 was one thing. Knocking off the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers on the road is another.

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    • San Francisco is traveling east on a short week and will face off against quarterback Cam Newton and a Panthers team reeling from a 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos on September 8. Oh yeah, Carolina has a few days’ extra rest.

    This will be a tough matchup for the 49ers, even if travel and the short week weren’t factors.

    While the odds are certainly stacked against San Francisco, the Niners may just be able to squeak out an improbable win against one of the NFL’s best. Unlikely as it seems, the 49ers may just be able to do enough to somehow squeak out a win.

    If this happens, a number of Niners players will have to figure into the winning equation.

    So let’s look at five players from San Francisco and describe why each one will be someone to watch in this Week 2 bout.

    We’ll break down why each player is so critical to the Niners’ upcoming effort and what’s facing each guy this Sunday.

    Maybe the impossible happens after all.

    Next: CB Rashard Robinson