First Half Recap: Foster Goes Down, Defense Remains Stout
With the start of the NFL season, the 49ers' defense looked good early, forcing punts on the Panthers' first two drives. However, the offense just couldn't capitalize on the opportunities.
On the 49ers' first drive, the offense was humming along with contributions from new faces in fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end George Kittle, and receiver Pierre Garçon. Unfortunately, it missed an opportunity on 3rd-and-2; quarterback Brian Hoyer had a near perfect throw for 40 yards that was dropped by speedy receiver Marquise Goodwin. On the following offensive drive, Hoyer was stripped on a sack allowed by guard Zane Beadles against Panthers' defensive tackle Wes Horton.
The 49ers' top rookie linebacker, Reuben Foster, started off great with a near pick-six opportunity. However, Foster went down with a lower-leg injury and was carted off the field. Foster now remains questionable to return as he came out of the locker room walking on his own will.
Panthers receiver Russell Shepard hauled in a 40-yard touchdown the following play in zone coverage off a missed tackle by free safety Jaquiski Tartt.
Tartt got the starting nod with Jimmie Ward out and later made another mental mistake with a late hit penalty. However, Tartt would later redeem himself with a nice one-handed interception near the end zone.
#49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt's incredible interception followed by a 37-yard return. #SFvsCARpic.twitter.com/jzkLJZedb0
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) September 10, 2017
The 49ers were aggressive early with two failed fourth-down conversions which would consequently lead to two Panthers' field goals to end the half.
The 49ers have allowed four sacks along with six penalties for 45 yards. Hoyer finished the first half going 11-of-15 for 88 passing yards. Carlos Hyde leads the backfield with seven carries for 44 rushing yards while Garçon has three catches for 44 receiving yards.
The defense has held the Panthers to just 13 points. Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight Greg Olsen have two catches combined while rookie running back Christian McCaffrey has been held in check with 50 total yards.