Niner Noise
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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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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: QB Blaine Gabbert Needs to Be Cautiously Aggressive

Cautious aggression kind of sounds like an oxymoron. But it makes sense in NFL terms, and especially considering the context.

49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert put forth a pedestrian effort in Week 1. He went 22-of-35 for 170 yards and a touchdown against zero interceptions, although the film revealed some tentativeness as well as a few near-pick throws.

Gabbert also rushed for 43 yards though. And running back Carlos Hyde was pretty impressed, as seen in the video below:

This is relevant because the Panthers also gave up 20 rushing yards to Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian in Week 1. Siemian’s NFL debut wasn’t anything spectacular — 18-of-26 for 178 yards with one touchdown and an interception. And yet he was capable of doing just enough to help lead Denver to victory.

But the 49ers defense won’t be enough to offset tentative quarterback play. San Francisco will need more out of Gabbert’s arm, which is also what Nick Wagoner of ESPN argued earlier this week.

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This might mean targeting Panthers safety Tre Boston or rookie cornerback James Bradberry. And Gabbert will have to figure a way to get No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith more involved as well.

Gabbert likely needs to double his efforts Sunday. But he’ll need to do so recognizing fully well the prowess Carolina has within its coverage units.

Cautious aggression — play without the “let’s not lose” mindset but without the carelessness of gunslinger-type quarterbacks around the league.

Next: Week 2 versus the Panthers a True Test for San Francisco

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