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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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Zane Beadles, 49ers
Dec 18, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars guard Zane Beadles (68) against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Left Guard Zane Beadles

Wait, what? The No. 1 49ers player to watch is left guard Zane Beadles?

Yes. While you’re probably thinking either Carlos Hyde or Blaine Gabbert should be on this slide, the reason Beadles makes it over both is because of what needs to happen up front.

Give credit to San Francisco’s offensive line in Week 1. This unit handled a darn good Los Angeles front-seven defense over four quarters.

And the O-line will have to replicate this task again in Week 2.

The matchup to watch here is between Beadles and Panthers Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short.

Short led Carolina with 11 sacks a year ago, so we already know he’s a great pass-rusher. Pro Football Focus thinks so too. But Short is also going to be a factor against the run. Just look at this clip from PFF’s Mike Renner. Short (No. 99) will try to burst past the left guard to bring down the ball-carrier.

Now, just insert Beadles to see why he’s so important.

Left-side runs are a little more the focus of Hyde’s abilities on the ground. Last year, they might have been the only option.

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Still, the Beadles vs. Short matchup will be one to watch.

And one which the 49ers would need to win if San Francisco wants to pull off the upset.

Next: 49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Things SF Needs for a Week 2 Win

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.