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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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Aug 4, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) and defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) walk out for training at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) and defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) walk out for training at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Defensive Ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner

OK, so two players are being lumped into one slide here. And it’s for a good reason.

San Francisco’s defense stood tall, albeit against a questionable Rams offense, and held Los Angeles’ offense to a mere 185 total yards in Week 1.

A lot of this started up front, and Niners defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead were big reasons why.

Just ask Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney:

But the comparison between the Rams and Panthers offense is night and day. A year ago, the Rams ranked dead last in the NFL in total yards (4,761), while Carolina finished 11th overall in the same category (5,871). And the Panthers were No. 1 overall in points scored (500).

A much different challenge for sure.

To be successful, the 49ers will need all the help they can get out of this former University of Oregon tandem.

Pressure on quarterback Cam Newton will be one of the ways San Francisco can limit the damage risked on the previous two slides. Buckner and Armstead can go a long way in collapsing the pocket, which will hopefully free up Niners pass-rushers to converge on the reigning NFL MVP.

Next: WR Torrey Smith