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49ers vs. Panthers: What Week 2 Loss Tells Us About San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) makes a catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Davis (43) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) makes a catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Davis (43) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

The 49ers Will Live and Die by the Running Game

We already know head coach Chip Kelly wants to have his offense move the ball on the ground. It’s one of the reasons San Francisco led the entire NFL in preseason rushing yards.

Week 1 suggested this.

No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde rushed for 88 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns against a formidable Los Angeles Rams’ front seven defense. And the 49ers accumulated a total of 150 rushing yards and three touchdowns during the performance.

The yardage numbers accounted for nearly half of San Francisco’s offensive output. There were 42 running plays compared to just 35 passing attempts.

Whatever feel-good moments on the ground from Week 1 were quickly erased at Carolina.

San Francisco had another 26 rushing attempts against the Panthers but netted a total of just 65 yards on the ground. Hyde had only 34 yards on 14 carries — an average of 2.4 yards per attempt.

And his costly first-quarter fumble didn’t help matters either.

If the 49ers ground attack is working, the rest of the offensive approach will be that much easier. From what we’ve seen so far, this aspect his been hit or miss.

Next: The Offensive Line Is Notably Improved