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Panthers vs. 49ers: 5 key stats to watch in Week 1

By Robert Smith

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 17: A general view of the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 17, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 17: A general view of the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 17, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Rushing Yards

San Francisco actually had a decent rushing attack in 2016, finishing a respectable 11th in the NFL in that category. The problem was that their passing attack finished 28th overall.

Problems along the offensive line and a banged up Carlos Hyde certainly didn’t help, but the inconsistent passing attack and former quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s limitations, with regards to accuracy and ability to read defenses, were a major hindrance in former coach Chip Kelly’s offense.

Kyle Shanahan brings a complex passing attack to a team in desperate need of consistency and balance in their offense. Shanahan will need Hyde, rookie Matt Breida and Co. to effectively run the ball against Carolina to have Hoyer operate play action successfully. If the 49ers can find success in the running game, it not only alleviate pressure from Hoyer, it could help the young, inexperienced defense from being left on the field for extended periods of time against the Panthers offense.

With as many playmakers as Carolina has, it may be San Francisco’s best chance at slowing down the Panthers offense and keeping the game close into the fourth quarter. The Hyde/Breida tandem could keep both backs fresh against the Panthers talented defense.

On the flip side, Carolina will be trying to use Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Stewart to establish their own running attack, as well as having McCaffrey slide out as a receiver on passing downs.

The 49ers defense will undoubtedly have it’s hands full in trying to stop Cam Newton and Co., but the success or failure of their running attack could weigh heavily on the outcome of the game.