49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Things San Francisco Needs to Do for a Week 2 Win
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Let RB Carlos Hyde and the Running Game Dictate the Offense
Perhaps the best way to limit quarterback Cam Newton will be to keep him off the field — easier said than done against a stout Panthers defense.
Yet the Broncos proved a successful ground attack can be managed if it’s effectively moving the ball and chewing up clock. This isn’t exactly a hallmark for a Chip Kelly offense, since his generally uptempo approach frequently means his teams lose out in the time-of-possession battle.
Last week, running back Carlos Hyde managed 88 yards on 23 carries for two touchdowns against a strong Rams defense.
That effort needs to be replicated or surpassed if the 49ers are to have any chance.
All this ties back into our first X-factor for San Francisco — winning up front along the offensive line.
While Hyde is perfectly capable of taking carries to the outside, it will be his north-south running ability within Kelly’s inside-zone blocking scheme which gives the Niners the best chance to move the ball on the ground.
Again, easier said that done.
Don’t expect Hyde to rip off six-, seven- or eight-yard gains on the majority of his carries. Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is too good to let that happen. But if Hyde and Co. can manage to put the Niners offense in more 3rd-and-short situations than 3rd-and-long plays, moving the ball will be all the more easier.
Next: Blaine Gabbert Needs to Be Cautiously Aggressive