NFC Game Of The Week
Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers
Panthers: This game can be extremely difficult to figure out. For the last few seasons, it’s been tough to put a finger on Ron Rivera’s Carolina Panthers. They always get off to quick starts then simmer down late in seasons. Last year, they were 6-2 through eight games. That’s usually a lock to make it to the playoffs, right? Not necessarily. They ended up missing the playoffs when Cam Newton went down with an injury. This year, the Panthers lost their first two games. I remember getting questions about Cam Newton. Was he finished? Is he washed up? Has he seen better days? Once he was added to the injured list, the Panthers decided to turn to a quarterback out of Texas A&M named Kyle Allen. In the four games he’s started, they’re 4-0 which has them in second place in a down NFC South. What’s gone right for the Panthers? First, they have a healthy quarterback who’s able to run Norv Turner’s offensive scheme. Kyle completes his passes and as a receiver, you should be happy because the quarterback is able to extend plays to get you the ball because that wasn’t happening with Cam. He would either throw the ball and it wouldn’t even reach the receiver or he’s getting sacked. The MVP of this team has been Christian McCaffrey. He’s an all-around offensive weapon that impacts the running game and the passing game. To keep the winning streak going, they’ll have to travel across the country to face a streaking 49ers team.
49ers: After watching them against the Rams almost two weeks ago, I became a believer. It took me a while, but now I’m sold. This is the only undefeated team in the NFC right now at 6-0. I love this defense and how they go about their business. They’re a physical group that plays for one another. The defensive line sets the tone up front anchored by the rookie, Nick Bosa who’s my favorite to win defensive rookie of the year. They have linebackers that cover the flat and a secondary that can cover to take anything away deep down the field. This defense has been the heartbeat of this entire team. When I watch Jimmy Garoppolo run, I get nervous especially since he tore his ACL last season which forced him to miss the rest of the year. He’s confident enough and trusts that knee. I think we’re seeing the next great quarterback/coach tandem with Jimmy G and Kyle Shanahan. Did any of you see that game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday? I loved every second of it because of my defensive background. They were aggressive all game long and forced tackles for loss. They also pitched the shut out which isn’t difficult to do against a bad team like Washington. All it took was a few games for me to buy into them and now, I’m sold. The more they continue to play like this, people will keep noticing. The 49ers are aiming for a 7-0 start and to get to that, they’ll have to take down the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers Player to Watch: Bruce Irvin– When Carolina signed him, I loved the move. He’s a veteran added on to a defense looking to find its rhythm. He’s bounced around a few places, during his time in Oakland, he learned a lot from Khalil Mack. He also knows a thing or two about facing the 49ers from his days with the Seahawks. He needs to get some type of pressure on Jimmy G.
49ers Player to Watch: Tevin Coleman– Good things happen when you feed him the football. He’s a shifty runner with the ability to break open into the open field. I think people tend to forget how explosive he is. Tevin also played in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system back when Kyle was the offensive coordinator for the Falcons. I think it’s safe to say he knows a few things about playing for Kyle.
Final Analysis: Who saw these two teams with winning records at the half-way mark of the season? If Cam does come back healthy, the Panthers need to continue to stick with the hand that’s hot. Kyle Allen at this point gives them a better shot at winning. Allen better gear up to throw the ball because the 49ers will shut down the running game. On defense, they need to make Jimmy to the left side of the pocket. If I’m the 49ers, I’m attacking an up and down Panthers secondary. They’ll be expecting the run with a loaded box.
Prediction: 49ers 24 Panthers 16
