49ers: What Week 2 Loss Taught Us About San Francisco

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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) celebrates with center Daniel Kilgore (67) and tight end Garrett Celek (88) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The 49ers Are Hurting for Playmakers

We can break down both the offense and defense on this one, but let’s stick to the offensive side of the ball for now.

San Francisco doesn’t have enough weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Going 4-of-14 on third downs Sunday is an indication of this. These are the moments when a team’s best weapons make their biggest contributions.

OK, so wide receiver Torrey Smith had a nice touchdown grab. And tight end Vance McDonald also had his second touchdown reception in as many games.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Positive impacts? Yes. Bona fide playmakers? Not necessarily.

Running back Carlos Hyde may be the one player on offense opposing teams will largely scheme against. We saw this in Week 2. Carolina did everything in its power to force quarterback Blaine Gabbert to throw the ball.

And even he’s not adequate enough a playmaker to make a major difference.

Next: Aaron Lynch Can't Return Soon Enough

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

By Peter Panacy | Sep 20, 2016

The 49ers Are Hurting for Playmakers