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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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November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Aaron Lynch Can’t Return Soon Enough

The 49ers are also hurting for a pass rush. Against the Panthers, San Francisco’s defense managed just one sack of quarterback Cam Newton and a mere three quarterback hits.

Pressuring Newton was one of the only ways the Niners defense would have stood a chance. It didn’t work, and the 49ers gave up 10 plays of at least 16-plus yards.

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Tank Carradine, one of the players whom the 49ers needed to step up big, wasn’t much of a factor in Week 2. He had a stellar preseason, but those efforts haven’t exactly translated over into the regular season.

Carradine had just one hurry against Newton, per Pro Football Focus.

So that means the 49ers need their top pass-rusher to return and be 100 percent. Yes, this means linebacker Aaron Lynch, who is serving a four-game suspension for failing a drug test.

Lynch, along with fellow linebacker Ahmad Brooks, were tied for the team lead in sacks last season (6.5). But Lynch is certainly the better of the two at this point in both players’ careers.

Until then, the Niners will simply have to get by with what they have. And they’ll hope Lynch returns ready to contribute right away.

Next: Generating Turnovers a 49ers Strength