49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Ways San Francisco Can Win in Week 2
By Bobby Horne
![Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) rushes against Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) during the first half of an NFL game at Levi Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) rushes against Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) during the first half of an NFL game at Levi](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cc382d6126485205726a0060a61cd8262c70e0fd91cc60e9f0259de684c61a08.jpg)
Contain Cam Newton
One might be asking themselves, “how can the 49ers contain the reigning NFL MVP?”
It certainly is a tough task to complete, which is what makes Panther quarterback Cam Newton so good. It’s all about pressure.
The Niners must find a way to apply pressure on every down. Pressure in the pocket can fluster even the greatest of quarterbacks.
In Super Bowl 50, Newton was sacked six times and his play suffered because of it.
Against the Rams, the San Francisco pass rush was much improved compared to 2015. Rookie first-round selection DeForest Buckner led all NFL rookies in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus:
49ers DE DeForest Buckner earned the highest pass-rushing grade of any NFL rookie in Week 1. https://t.co/eA8j8auZ9z pic.twitter.com/Cvt0VHXC7w
— PFF (@PFF) September 13, 2016
Second-year defensive end Arik Armstead has also shown he can create pressure in the pocket.
Our data is still going through our review process, but we have Armstead and Buckner leading the #49ers D with five QB pressures each.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) September 13, 2016
If the 49ers can find a way to disrupt Newton throughout the game, it will give them a great chance at keeping the Panthers point total and offensive production down.
Next: Carlos Hyde Needs to Break 100 Yards Rushing