Biggest studs, duds from 49ers lopsided win over Panthers

49ers stud: Defensive depth

The 49ers already entered the game with a number of notable injuries, namely on the offensive and defensive lines. And while the Niners’ O-line had its shaky moments, the D-line appeared as if it wouldn’t miss a beat against a surprisingly good Carolina O-line.

Defensive tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw, two starters, were both inactive with injuries. Yet their respective absences were more than made up for by the prowess of veterans like Hassan Ridgeway and Charles Omenihu, both of whom recorded a tackle for a loss with the latter grabbing one of the six sacks San Francisco recorded during the game.

And to illustrate the point, when Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa and his NFL-leading six sacks went down with a groin injury in the third quarter, other reserve pass-rushers like Drake Jackson picked up the slack.

At the second level, linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles impressed during his fill-in duties for the injured Azeez Al-Shaair, picking up a sack in garbage time, and the defensive backfield made up for the early exit of starting safety Jimmie Ward, who exited with a broken hand early in the game after finally getting off injured reserve because of a hamstring injury.

In short, the 49ers’ depth on defense excelled in picking up the slack when called upon.