Panthers vs. 49ers: 5 key stats to watch in Week 1
By Robert Smith
No. 5: Starting Field Position
There are occasions where this statistic may be overlooked, but it is one of those subtle categories that plays a huge role in the play-calling on both offense and defense.
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Obviously, if you get a good run back on a kickoff or punt, it sets your offense up on a shorter field with a more aggressive play-calling strategy.
From 2011 through 2013, the 49ers’ average starting field position was the 30-yard line. By 2016, that number had been pushed back to the 27-yard line.
Conversely, the Carolina Panthers’ average starting field position was their own 30.4-yard line.
With Carolina adding Ohio State’s Curtis Samuel and Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey in this year’s NFL Draft, chances are that Carolina will see better starting field position than last season.
However, San Francisco should increase its starting field position as well, with rookies Trent Taylor from Louisiana Tech and undrafted free-agent receiver Victor Bolden returning kicks, after displaying a knack for it during the preseason.
Add to the fact the 49ers offense will be in their first season in a new system, with almost an entirely new cast of starters, including quarterback Brian Hoyer. Any help they can get from a strong defense and solid special teams will be an added benefit for them in play selection and moving the ball down the field.
With potential playmakers returning kicks for both teams, this stat may play a huge factor in the outcome of the game.