Originally posted by GolittaCamper:
This game may come down to our tight ends vs their running backs, a big advantage for them in the passing game, but i think we have slight edge with this match up in the running game. Our offensive line will be revealed as the pride of the team before long, and Sundays game will be the first step. We have the manpower to win at the line of scrimmage, but can we get blocks on the second level, can Hyde make their linebackers miss?
These two questions will determine our offensive fate. If we can get second level blocking, and Hyde can have a few long runs early, this will set the table to go after their young corners with with Smith, and Kerly. Backing the safeties out of the box will further allow for a big day running, It all hinges on Celek, and McDonald, Bruce Millers presence will be sorely missed.
Defensively, I like all of our match-ups, with the exception of the size difference between our DBs, and their monster receivers. We can over come this with our depth and scheme. We need to stop their run from the big nickel. Cam will have his moments, you can't really stop him, but we can limit the damage he does. We have the front three to collapse the pocket, so the OLBs will need to contain, more than pressure Newton. I have feeling we could be in for a shoot out, the offense will need to carry the day.
This is not the Nolan Niners, nor the Jimmy Harbaugh Niners, we have the coaching mindset to win a shoot out!
I pretty much agree with this. 49ers are big underdogs based on last season for both teams. This year's version of the 49ers is much stronger in the trenches on both sides of the ball. I don't see Carolina dominating either side. I don't expect a high scoring game. Both teams will have trouble moving the ball though I wouldn't be surprised at a couple of big plays by both teams.
What I am really looking forward to is the comparative work of Kuechley and Bowman. I expect both to dominate. Ray-Ray is a notch below Thomas Davis but I have been very impressed with the amount of ground Armstrong covers.
Folks will be surprised. I'm not predicting a 49er win but they will earn a great deal of respect in this game.