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49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Things San Francisco Needs to Do for a Week 2 Win

By Peter Panacy

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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 /

No. 5: Win in the Trenches on the Offensive Line

It all starts up front, and the 49ers can take pride in their offensive line’s efforts from Week 1.

While the Rams may be a lackluster team, there isn’t any doubting they boast one of the better front-seven defenses in the NFL. And yet the Niners protected quarterback Blaine Gabbert en route to a zero-sack night and only allowed a handful of QB pressures.

Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald was a non-factor — except for being ejected — and San Francisco’s O-line was winning its battles up front.

Carolina’s defense presents yet another stout challenge.

One of the matchups to watch will be Panthers Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short, who registered a team-leading 11 sacks a year ago. He’ll be attacking the gap between 49ers left guard Zane Beadles and center Daniel Kilgore.

Second-year right tackle Trent Brown will also be a player to watch as he looks to stop All-Pro linebacker Thomas Davis.

Run support will also be key for the Niners O-line. Carolina allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the NFL last season (1,415) but gave up 148 total yards on the ground to the Denver Broncos in Week 1.

Next: Win the Battles in the Trenches: D-Line