49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Things San Francisco Needs to Do for a Week 2 Win
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Put a Spy on QB Cam Newton
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton isn’t just a pocket presence who can throw the ball. Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula uses him as an integral part of the running game too.
Newton managed to rush for 54 yards and a touchdown against Denver’s stout defense last week, so he’s going to get his carries. And rushing five may open up increased risks within the 49ers secondary if Newton elects to pass.
Still, the Niners will have to respect Newton’s rushing prowess. This means putting a spy on him — a defender, for those of you not keen to the term, whose job is solely to monitor what the quarterback does and whether or not he’ll take off as a scrambling threat.
The best option for this would be a big-bodied defender (Newton is a pretty big guy) capable of acting in pass coverage but with the converging skills to get to the outside.
Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong, a former safety, may be the best option here for San Francisco.
Armstrong had three tackles and one interception versus Los Angeles in Week 1. And he also showcased a strong preseason effort, winning the primary inside linebacker job alongside All-Pro NaVorro Bowman.
Newton is going to do some damage. The primary MO for the Niners will be to simply limit it.
Next: Let Carlos Hyde and the Running Game Dictate the Offense