Panthers vs. 49ers: Full San Francisco grades and analysis

Defensive line

The defensive line–easily the most hyped unit of the 49ers heading into 2017–failed to live up to the talk surrounding them. Most glaringly, San Francisco registered zero sacks. Simply, the pass rush generated little impact in the game. There were a couple of nice plays made by Earl Mitchell, Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas, but it was just wasn’t enough in totality.

One thing that can be drawn on in a positive manner is the rush defense, which looked solid. Carolina running backs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey each averaged 3.6 yards per carry, yet neither topped 66 total rushing yards nor scored a touchdown. In all, the Panthers carried the ball 38 times for 116 yards, an average of 3.1 yards per carry.

Grade: C+

Linebackers

To begin the game, it was a whirlwind of emotions for the 49ers as they watched Reuben Foster begin with a bang and then subsequently be carted off the field with an injury:

Fortunately, it looks like the team has escaped a scare as Foster’s X-rays came back negative. After the game, Foster said he expects to play next week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Following the injury to the  rookie, the defense seemed depleted and lifeless. Ray-Ray Armstrong came in for Foster and struggled, while NaVorro Bowman chipped in five tackles.

Grade: C

Secondary

It was an uneven showing for the 49ers secondary. They held Cam Newton to under 200 yards passing and under 60% passing, and also intercepted him once. Rashard Robinson also had a very nice strip and fumble recovery on McCaffrey in the fourth quarter.

But it was ultimately their secondary’s play that led to the only time the Panthers were able to reach the end zone — Carolina didn’t have any rushing touchdowns while they threw for two in the air.

The 40-yard touchdown between Newton and wide receiver Russell Shepard was a direct result of poor discipline by Tartt, who failed to tackle Shepard en route to scoring.

Grade: C+