San Francisco 49ers

49ers vs. Panthers: 5 Players to Watch for San Francisco

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Francisco 49ers face a Herculean task of defeating the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. To preview this contest, Niner Noise takes a look at five players the 49ers will need to perform well in this road contest.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) calls out over guard Zane Beadles (68) and tackle Joe Staley (74) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers beating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 was one thing. Knocking off the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers on the road is another.

San Francisco is traveling east on a short week and will face off against quarterback Cam Newton and a Panthers team reeling from a 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos on September 8. Oh yeah, Carolina has a few days’ extra rest.

This will be a tough matchup for the 49ers, even if travel and the short week weren’t factors.

While the odds are certainly stacked against San Francisco, the Niners may just be able to squeak out an improbable win against one of the NFL’s best. Unlikely as it seems, the 49ers may just be able to do enough to somehow squeak out a win.

If this happens, a number of Niners players will have to figure into the winning equation.

So let’s look at five players from San Francisco and describe why each one will be someone to watch in this Week 2 bout.

We’ll break down why each player is so critical to the Niners’ upcoming effort and what’s facing each guy this Sunday.

Maybe the impossible happens after all.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5: Cornerback Rashard Robinson

Carolina’s offense presents all sorts of problems for San Francisco.

While much of the focus will revolve around Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, another big (literally) question will be how the Niners limit third-year pro wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin.

Benjamin, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound target, creates issues for any defense. His size alone leads to mismatches and height advantages. And this was on full display against the Broncos in Week 1, where Benjamin posted 91 yards off six receptions and a touchdown grab.

Current Niners starting cornerbacks Tramaine Brock (5-foot-10) and Jimmie Ward (5-foot-11) have the adequate size to contend with Benjamin.

Although their coverage skills are superior to anyone else’s on the team.

But defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil might elect to match up rookie corner Rashard Robinson here. At 6-foot-1 and 171 pounds, Robinson has a bit better height to contend with Benjamin.

The only concern is whether or not the rookie will be capable of reacting to Benjamin’s route-running capabilities.

If Robinson can do this, there’s a good chance Benjamin doesn’t make as big an impact he’s capable of making.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4: Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong

Earlier this offseason, linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong might have been the least favorite to win out the inside job to start alongside fellow ILB NaVorro Bowman. Many perceived either Michael Wilhoite or Gerald Hodges winning out here.

But Armstrong — thanks, in large measure, to his versatility — ended up being the first-choice guy. He can play on the outside and also doubles as a safety.

Armstrong picked up three tackles in Week 1, second only to Bowman, and also recorded one of the 49ers’ two interceptions against Los Angeles. While Armstrong figures to be a critical piece to the Niners’ Week 2 defense, it’s his matchup versus Carolina tight end Greg Olsen that will be worth watching.

Olsen is one of quarterback Cam Newton’s favorite targets. We know this. And Armstrong’s ability to play well in coverage makes this a unique matchup.

Olsen was targeted nine times against the Broncos in Week 1 and hauled in seven passes for 73 yards. Like wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, limiting Olsen’s offensive impact will be crucial for San Francisco’s defensive efforts.

Aug 4, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) and defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) walk out for training at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3: Defensive Ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner

OK, so two players are being lumped into one slide here. And it’s for a good reason.

San Francisco’s defense stood tall, albeit against a questionable Rams offense, and held Los Angeles’ offense to a mere 185 total yards in Week 1.

A lot of this started up front, and Niners defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead were big reasons why.

Just ask Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney:

The #49ers' twin towers on the defensive line had a productive week pressuring the QB. pic.twitter.com/W5dJKGfOLB

— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) September 15, 2016

But the comparison between the Rams and Panthers offense is night and day. A year ago, the Rams ranked dead last in the NFL in total yards (4,761), while Carolina finished 11th overall in the same category (5,871). And the Panthers were No. 1 overall in points scored (500).

A much different challenge for sure.

To be successful, the 49ers will need all the help they can get out of this former University of Oregon tandem.

Pressure on quarterback Cam Newton will be one of the ways San Francisco can limit the damage risked on the previous two slides. Buckner and Armstead can go a long way in collapsing the pocket, which will hopefully free up Niners pass-rushers to converge on the reigning NFL MVP.

Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2: Wide Receiver Torrey Smith

Wide receiver Torrey Smith wasn’t much of a factor in Week 1. His two receptions for 13 yards doesn’t exactly suggest a No. 1 wideout’s true role.

And while we should expect opposing teams to clamp down on the Niners’ best receiving weapon, Smith will have to get more involved on offense to ensure San Francisco’s drives won’t have to solely rely on Carlos Hyde and the running game.

Our friend Al Sacco over at NinerFans.com pointed out why this will be important in Week 2:

In an effort to match Carolina, it would benefit the Niners to have a more aggressive game plan offensively, and try to stretch the defense early on. This approach will also help open up lanes in the running game, and back the safeties up a bit. Smith is the perfect choice to go to in order to get this accomplished, as he’s the one real deep threat the 49ers have. If not, and San Francisco continues to try and play offense in a box, it could be a long day down South.

Precisely.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the 49ers offense didn’t make much of an attempt to stretch the field in Week 1. They didn’t have to. But this won’t be the case versus the Panthers.

Smith is the primary deep threat the 49ers have. Even if those completions aren’t working, getting Smith involved at least opens up possibilities underneath.

Dec 18, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars guard Zane Beadles (68) against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1: Left Guard Zane Beadles

Wait, what? The No. 1 49ers player to watch is left guard Zane Beadles?

Yes. While you’re probably thinking either Carlos Hyde or Blaine Gabbert should be on this slide, the reason Beadles makes it over both is because of what needs to happen up front.

Give credit to San Francisco’s offensive line in Week 1. This unit handled a darn good Los Angeles front-seven defense over four quarters.

And the O-line will have to replicate this task again in Week 2.

The matchup to watch here is between Beadles and Panthers Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short.

Short led Carolina with 11 sacks a year ago, so we already know he’s a great pass-rusher. Pro Football Focus thinks so too. But Short is also going to be a factor against the run. Just look at this clip from PFF’s Mike Renner. Short (No. 99) will try to burst past the left guard to bring down the ball-carrier.