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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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Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Wide Receiver Torrey Smith

Wide receiver Torrey Smith wasn’t much of a factor in Week 1. His two receptions for 13 yards doesn’t exactly suggest a No. 1 wideout’s true role.

And while we should expect opposing teams to clamp down on the Niners’ best receiving weapon, Smith will have to get more involved on offense to ensure San Francisco’s drives won’t have to solely rely on Carlos Hyde and the running game.

Our friend Al Sacco over at NinerFans.com pointed out why this will be important in Week 2:

"In an effort to match Carolina, it would benefit the Niners to have a more aggressive game plan offensively, and try to stretch the defense early on. This approach will also help open up lanes in the running game, and back the safeties up a bit. Smith is the perfect choice to go to in order to get this accomplished, as he’s the one real deep threat the 49ers have. If not, and San Francisco continues to try and play offense in a box, it could be a long day down South."

Precisely.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the 49ers offense didn’t make much of an attempt to stretch the field in Week 1. They didn’t have to. But this won’t be the case versus the Panthers.

Smith is the primary deep threat the 49ers have. Even if those completions aren’t working, getting Smith involved at least opens up possibilities underneath.

Next: LG Zane Beadles