Panthers vs. 49ers: Breaking down San Francisco’s game plan
By Chris Wilson
Key Players and Matchups
Cam Newton vs. the 49ers’ new defensive scheme
In many ways, 2015 was an anomaly of a season for MVP Cam Newton; his league-leading 7.1 percent touchdown percentage was a far cry from his 4.3 percent career percentage prior to 2015, which helped him throw 68 percent more touchdowns than his season average.
Newton also set personal bests in both interception percentage — 2.0 percent as opposed to a career average of 2.8 percent — and adjusted-yards-per attempt — 8.3 compared to a career average of 7.1. Newton was also active in the run game, as he rushed for a career-high 132 carries, and scored an additional 10 touchdowns on the ground.
In 2016, Newton’s statistical output regressed to the mean. His touchdown percentage was nearly cut in half, and his interception percentage, total interceptions and passing touchdowns were all close to his previous career averages. His quarterback rating regressed past the mean, as he followed up a career-best 99.4 rating in 2015 with a career-worst 75.8 rating in 2016.
In addition, with Carolina’s effort to limit Newton’s rushing volume, the quarterback was limited to 90 carries for 359 yards and five touchdowns.
However, this is not entirely surprising, as quarterbacks historically cut back on their rushing volume once they turn age 27. In the history of the NFL, quarterbacks accumulated over 100 rushing attempts in a season 22 times, yet none of those quarterbacks were over 27 years old.
The Panthers hoped that 2017 would be the return of the 2015 Cam Newton, but instead of working with the first-team offense, Newton spent the majority of the preseason nursing his injured shoulder.
Newton was able to play just one drive over the Panthers’ four preseason games. In that drive, Newton handed the ball off eight times and threw only two passes — both of which travelled less than 10 yards in the air.
Is Newton healthy? Panthers coach Ron Rivera says he’s “ready” to play on Sunday. Yet, some researchers claim Newton won’t have 100 percent arm strength for a year or two after his surgery.
The 49ers’ front seven will be tasked with constantly pressuring Newton, piling up the hits, and keeping him uncomfortable throughout the game. If Newton is able to get into a groove — and his arm is up for the challenge — the 49ers’ young secondary will surely be tested.
Here is Newton’s lone drive — and his 17 total air yards — of the 2017 NFL Preseason:
Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly
Sunday will be Kuechly’s first regular season action since he sustained a concussion last November. Keuchly’s history of concussions — he’s missed nine games over the past two years — and his hefty price tag led many to question whether the Panthers should draft a potential replacement in the 2017 NFL Draft.
This offseason, Kuechly told reporters that he won’t alter his style of play, even after his two recent concussions. Panthers fans hope their star inside linebacker — and the heart of the Carolina defense — will be able to put his head injuries behind him and return to his prior All-Pro form.
On Sunday, Kuechly will be responsible for bottling up Hyde and the 49ers’ run game, in an attempt to turn the Niners — who will rely heavily on the play-action pass — into a one-dimensional offense.
49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman
The 49ers have another All-Pro linebacker who is returning from injury this week. Sunday will mark NaVorro Bowman’s regular-season return from the season-ending Achilles injury he sustained in Week 4 of the 2016 season.
Bowman previously sat out the entire 2014 season after injuring his ACL, MCL and PCL during the 2013 NFC Championship game, so he will be returning from a major injury for the second time in three years.
Earlier this week, Bowman told reporters that he felt disrespected by the league, and that “a healthy Bowman is still the best linebacker in the NFL.” Bowman will be put to the test on Sunday against the Panthers’ rushing attack, and in coverage against McCaffrey and Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen.