49ers vs. Panthers: Previewing Week 2 for San Francisco

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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) in the field during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive and Defensive X-Factors for San Francisco

The 49ers will have to play near-perfect football to have any chance of upending the Panthers on Sunday.

But, if this happens, head coach Chip Kelly’s squad will have to get stellar production out of these players over the course of the game.

Left Guard Zane Beadles

Veteran left guard Zane Beadles will frequently line up against Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short, who led Carolina with 11 sacks a year ago.

Short is also stellar against the run. So if the Niners want to get running back Carlos Hyde going, Beadles’ run-blocking support will have to be top notch.

Wide Receiver Torrey Smith

49ers No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith wasn’t much of a factor in Week 1. He had just two catches for 13 yards, although he did draw a flag on one of San Francisco’s elongated drives.

But the Niners offense would be wise to open up down the field. Smith is the lone threat truly capable of doing this.

Even if it’s not always successful, the approach at least leads to possibilities underneath as the defense is forced to spread out.

EDGE Tank Carradine

Go back to the previous slide showing quarterback Cam Newton being sacked by Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware.

Now, replace Ware with edge-rusher Tank Carradine.

If San Francisco’s defensive line is doing its job up front, Carradine should have lanes in which to rush the passer. And stopping Newton this way might be the only means to limit Carolina’s potent offense.

All of the 49ers Secondary

The Panthers have three receiving targets commanding attention — tight end Greg Olsen and wide receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess.

Olsen versus linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong will be a matchup to watch. But combating the 6-foot-5 Benjamin is an entirely different story. Cornerbacks Dontae Johnson (6-foot-2) and Rashard Robinson (6-foot-1) may have the best height matchup here.

And yet the 49ers might be wiser to let shorter corners, Tramaine Brock and Jimmie Ward, use their coverage abilities and knowledge to a better result.

At any rate, this could prove to be a vital piece of the Niners defensive puzzle.

Next: Game Information