Grades, analysis from 49ers injury-riddled win over Panthers

While the injuries have continued to pile up, the San Francisco 49ers still managed to get above .500 for the first time this season against the Carolina Panthers. 

The first thing to get out of the way for the San Francisco 49ers, it really feels like there’s an injury curse that’s determined to affect this team every week.

EDGE Nick Bosa, safety Jimmie Ward, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and kicker Robbie Gould all got hit with varying ailments during the Niners’ Week 5 win over the Carolina Panthers, which could be a big factor down the stretch.

The team has a tough game next week against an Atlanta Falcons outfit that was unlucky not to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the 49ers need all hands on deck to follow up on their win.

Injuries aside, however, this was a solid win over an opponent San Francisco was expected to beat handily. The 49ers got off to a hot start with a touchdown on the opening drive, and that was the last time the Panthers weren’t behind for the game.

The 37-15 win catapults the Niners to 3-2, finally putting them over .500 and assuring the spot on top of the NFC West for at least another week.

The turning point came late in the first half as the Panthers were attempting to tie things up. Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a weird play where he double-clutched a pass, firing it high and past running back Christian McCaffrey and into the waiting arms of Moseley, who took it back for a touchdown, the second interception return for a touchdown in as many games for San Francisco, and the 49ers were essentially home from that point onwards.

The Niners offense opened up much more in the second half, making sure the gift given to them was not squandered. With a game against the Falcons next week, San Francisco has a golden chance to get a good run going.

Let’s look at the grades.