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San Francisco 49ers Face Tough Task in Newton, Panthers

By Andrew Bet

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is pressured by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) during a NFL game at Levi
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is pressured by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) during a NFL game at Levi /
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Chip Kelly is off to a nice start after a week one victory over the Los Angeles Rams. This week’s matchup at Carolina will be a measuring stick for the San Francisco 49ers offensively and defensively.

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A 28-0 shutout by the San Francisco 49ers got the Chip Kelly era moving in the right direction. The performance on offense was not pretty at times, but effective enough to secure the win. Before the season began though, there were plenty of questions about Kelly after his departure from the Philadelphia Eagles. His signature up-tempo offense that he brought from Oregon came into question. With the right personnel though, Kelly was able to make his offense work. However, decisions he made with the Eagles ultimately led to his dismissal.

Known best for the West Coast offense originally designed by the great Bill Walsh, made the hiring of Kelly an interesting choice. At Oregon, the offensive line was mobile and allowed the running backs to find the edge. The quarterback not only served as a threat with his arm but also with his feet. Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick both have mobility, but the overall personnel did not seem the fit the bill.

The questions about Kelly’s ability to lead were answered in San Francisco’s victory over Los Angeles Monday night. Somewhat. For starters, running back Carlos Hyde is pivotal if the 49ers want to continue success offensively.

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Unlike former 49er Frank Gore, Hyde brings not only physicality but is shifty in finding the edge. This was evident on a few runs where he was able to bounce off a tackle and find the corner to gain positive yards. Also, his footwork allowed him to cut, find the corner, and run down the sideline.

Last season, San Francisco’s run game became a non-threat thanks to injuries to Hyde. Gabbert has to be effective with his arm and cannot rely solely on the feet of Hyde and the running backs. For Kelly’s system to work, all components have to be in rhythm.

For a receiving corps lacking depth to start the season, Jeremy Kerley was a nice addition for Kelly. His seven receptions for 61 yards kept the offense moving. Also, Quinton Patton had a good game with five receptions. He showed mobility in making a few cuts, shaking off defenders to gain for yards after the reception.

On defense, San Francisco was led by NaVorro Bowman with nine tackles. Bowman is the heart of San Francisco’s defense and his display was encouraging. His performance was capped by a pick in the first half.

Throughout the game, the defense grew confident in disrupting Case Keenum. Many people wondered if Kelly’s defense could stop Rams running back Todd Gurley. The defense answered the call,holding Gurley to 47 yards rushing.

Overall, the victory provided a mental and emotional boost, but the schedule now becomes difficult for San Francisco. Kelly is familiar with Carolina quarterback Cam Newton from the college ranks. In 2011, Newton defeated Kelly and Oregon in the BCS Championship game to give Auburn their first national title. Now, Newton is looking to regroup after an opening week loss to the Denver Broncos.

After losing Super Bowl 50 last season, Newton came under intense scrutiny for how he handled the loss. Newton put the criticism aside and let his play do the talking in week one. At times he was left frustrated by the hits he received from a pesky Broncos defense.

He was not pleased with some of the hits and felt a flag was warranted. Despite coming up short in week one, Newton is looking for a bounce back performance in Carolina’s home opener. He will look to excite the Panthers crowd with his arm and feet as he looks to defeat Kelly once again.

The Panthers have a shifty running back of their own in Jonathan Stewart. A former Oregon Duck, Stewart is seen as one of NFL’s elite running backs. His size though, has many believing that he is just a power running back.

However, Stewart has the footwork to find the edge and is tough to bring down when he gets going in that second gear. San Francisco’s defense should come into the game feeling confident for having had success in stopping Gurley. They shouldn’t take care to not be overconfident though. Carolina’s offensive line, however, is much better in creating gaps for Stewart than the Rams were for Gurley.

Carolina’s receiving corps is led by Kelvin Benjamin. Last week, he had six receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. His speed will be a concern for San Francisco’s defense and they can’t afford to let him get open to make a huge play. Also, former 49er receiver Ted Ginn Jr. will look to have a big game to help the Panther’s get their first win of the season.

San Francisco quarterback Gabbert showed athleticism in the week one victory. Steve Young pointed out during the game that Gabbert has the arm and mobility to make plays. He may not have the speed of Kaepernick, but Young said he has the vision to see the field well and execute.

Those are two assets benefiting Gabbert in Kelly’s up-tempo offensive scheme. The ability to read the defense is important if San Francisco wants to succeed offensively.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: Takeaways From Week One Vs. LA Rams

Expectations may not be high for San Francisco this season but Kelly scored an important victory in his first game as the 49ers’ head coach. Do expect growing pains with the offense in the coming weeks as the team is still adjusting. No matter the outcome, trust in Chip Kelly with what he has in store as head coach.