49ers vs. Panthers: Previewing Week 2 for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
Week 2 By the Numbers
Gauging both the 49ers and Panthers after one week of NFL action doesn’t tell us the entire story.
Currently, the Niners rank No. 1 in the league on defense. That’s what happens when you give up zero points. And Carolina, who allowed 21 points in their Week 1 defeat, stand at No. 12 in this same category.
Playing the offensively challenged Rams helped skew this stat in San Francisco’s favor. But to get a better gauge on what the 49ers are capable of doing on this side of the ball, let’s go back to last season.
In 2015, the Niners ranked 18th in this same category. The Panthers ranked sixth.
The context has changed for both teams entering this season. San Francisco’s defensive front is revamped, thanks to the NFL Draft additions of defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Ronald Blair. Additions within the secondary also make the 49ers a bit stronger here.
Meanwhile, Carolina’s secondary — especially after the loss of cornerback Josh Norman via free agency — is a bit younger and, perhaps, one of the few vulnerabilities the Panthers have.
But the main focus will be on both teams’ offenses.
Quarterback Cam Newton, who was held to just 194 passing yards and a 69.5 Week 1 passer rating, was again at the mercy of the Broncos defense. Denver sacked him three times on the night and forced one interception.
Meanwhile, 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert wasn’t sacked at all. The 49ers offensive line performed considerably well against a strong Rams defensive front.
Still, Gabbert’s stat line was awfully pedestrian — 22-of-35 for 170 yards and one touchdown.
Next: Blaine Gabbert vs. Cam Newton