49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Things San Francisco Needs to Do for a Week 2 Win
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Win in the Trenches on the Defensive Line
Going up against the Rams’ permeable offensive line was one thing. Doing so against the Panthers is another.
Granted, the Broncos made Panthers quarterback Cam Newton look human in both Super Bowl 50 and Week 1. But most 49ers fans don’t need convincing the Denver front-seven defense is vastly superior to what San Francisco has on its current roster.
Still, locking up Carolina’s O-line and allowing the 49ers pass-rushers open lanes to the quarterback will be the most essential way to prevent connections between Newton and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and/or tight end Greg Olsen.
Niner Noise is going to get to this scheme piece shortly. But for a quick preview, just look at the Broncos and Panthers screenshot below:
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Swap out Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (right yellow circle) for edge-rusher Tank Carradine, and you’ll get the idea. Rookie Ronald Blair would work too. Also note how the Broncos rush five in this particular snap.
Ware beats Panthers left tackle Michael Oher by dipping below him and converging on Newton. The rest of the defensive front is locked in on one-on-one matchups, thus allowing the opportunity.
San Francisco would only benefit if up-and-coming defensive ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner can wreak havoc here.
Next: Spy Cam Newton