Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers: Three Takeaways for Week 2 vs. 49ers

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

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What worked and what areas will the Carolina Panthers need to focus on for next week?

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) pretends to take a picture after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Avoiding the dreaded 0-2 start, the Carolina Panthers walked out of Bank of America Stadium victorious over the San Francisco 49ers. Overall, a solid team performance was turned in by Carolina earning their victory but some minor tweaks and things to consider moving forward are in the balance for the Panthers this week.

Continue to see what areas of improvement are needed for the Panthers team moving forward. Also, one unit looked dominant throughout the entire game and should continue to impress in the future.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball to tight end Greg Olsen (88) as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Protecting the Ball

Carolina finished negative in the turnover differential category. For a team that was plus 20 in turnover differential just last year, the Panthers now sit at a positive one through two games. However, the defense is on pace to commit many more takeaways than last season. Adding to the ball security concern is the questionable availability of running back Johnathan Stewart, who is exceptionally protective of the ball.

Cam Newton’s first pass of the game, intended for Ed Dickson, was tipped and intercepted by Antoine Bethea. Immediately, the defense was forced to stand on their heels, but only allowed a field goal. Newton’s decision was one that a fifth year player simply shouldn’t make. Twice already this season, Newton has attempted to laser a ball into a nonexistent window and it has resulted in easy points for the opposition. Newton along with Fozzy Whittaker and Ted Ginn, on a kickoff return, added fumbles that were recovered by San Francisco. Quality teams will make others pay for their sloppy play, a clean-up in this department moving forward is warranted.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) runs the ball during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line Making Strides and Mistakes

While Newton made a few bad decisions, he also had time in the pocket due to an offensive line that stepped up and played well when not committing penalties. Offensive holding calls occurred three times (two were accepted) and other breakdowns such as a lineman being ineligible downfield occurred.

Overall, minus mistakes, the offensive line played much improved from last week. Newton was only sacked once, with no loss on the play, and the running game featuring Whittaker was able to total 176 yards collectively. Newton’s deep passes, like the 76-yard strike to Greg Olsen, solidified his 356 yard passing performance.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Benjamin and Olsen Command Pass Attack

Of the 24 completions Newton had on Sunday, half were hauled in from the physical combo of Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. Five others split the remaining 12 completions. A concern with this disproportionate targeting is that defenses across the league will eventually adjust and others will need to step up. Ted Ginn turned in a game that featured many blunders, but also bright moments. Devin Funchess caught a touchdown but lacked field awareness on two sideline throws. He missed getting his feet down, in bounds, by appoximately two yards each time.

If Benjamin and Olsen continue to receive this much work load, it is only a matter of time before it becomes ineffective. While Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula may be relishing it now, he will have to focus on other targets to at least warrant defensive coverage in the future.

Next week, the Carolina Panthers host the Minnesota Vikings who may be without the 2015 rushing leader in Adrian Peterson, who exited Sunday night’s game with an injury and did not return.