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

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 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) fumbles the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) fumbles the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers Defense Able to Generate Turnovers

Don’t look now, but the 49ers defense ranks second in the NFL with six total turnovers generated — two in Week 1 and another four in Week 2.

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Those four turnovers against the Panthers — three fumble recoveries and an interception by safety Antoine Bethea — helped keep San Francisco in the game all the way into the fourth quarter.

Remember, the 49ers were trailing by only seven points with five-plus minutes remaining in the final frame.

Bethea, and linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Ray-Ray Armstrong, each have an interception apiece. Those Week 1 turnovers completely demolished any hope the Rams had to get their offense rolling.

And the subsequent Week 2 turnovers could have cost Carolina the game as well.

San Francisco, with all its questions on offense, will need its defense to continue producing in this area.

Next: Blaine Gabbert Is Who He Is