Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers: Carolina vs. San Francisco 49ers Preview

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

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In Week Two, the Carolina Panthers (0-1) will face the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at home.

Last week, the Carolina Panthers lost to the Denver Broncos 21-20 on Thursday night. Placekicker Graham Gano missed a field goal with a few seconds left in the game.

On the other side of the country, the 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 28-0. The 49ers led behind Carlos Hyde and Blaine Gabbert. Hyde rushed 23 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Gabbert completed 22 of 35 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown.

Judging from what transpired in Week One, the 49ers’ offense has become centered around their running back Hyde. The 49ers have maintained an identity as a West Coast offense team since the mid to late 1980s. Now, it seems as though those days have come to an end. Their best player happens to be Carlos Hyde.

This sets up an interesting dynamic for Week Two. The Panthers’ run defense performed poorly against the Broncos. They gave up 157 yards to the Broncos’ running backs. C.J. Anderson rushed 20 times for 92 yards and one touchdown. The worst play of the game happened when Broncos’ fullback Andy Janovich had a 28-yard touchdown run. The Panthers did not expect for him to get the ball. Mistakes like this will cost them the game every time.

49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert will not beat the Carolina Panthers with his arm. The Panthers’ defense should blitz him a great deal and focus on the run.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On the offensive side of the ball, the Carolina Panthers are excited about the return of Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin reeled in six catches for 91 yards and one touchdown. Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton targeted Benjamin 12 times. Their chemistry has not lost a step.

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Newton and running back Jonathan Stewart accounted for close to 120 yards rushing against the Broncos. Newton had 11 carries for for 54 yards and one touchdown while Stewart rushed 15 times for 64 yards. Expect similar touches from Newton and Stewart in regards to rushing the ball.

Although Newton completed 18 of 33 passes for 194 yards with one touchdown and one interception, he placed the Carolina Panthers in a position to win the game. The 49ers’ defense is not intimidating or as good as the Broncos’ defense.

The Carolina Panthers will rebound from last week’s lost and dominate the 49ers in the Queen City.

Prediction: Panthers – 38, 49ers – 10

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