The 2-2 San Francisco 49ers are in the south to face the 1-3 Carolina Panthers. Both teams could easily be 4-0 if things went their way. The Panthers have an intense pass rush and are loaded with weapons on the offense. If the 49ers want to improve their record to 3-2, they must stick to these five keys to victory.
PROTECTION
The offensive line must protect quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at all costs. It looks like Jaylon Moore will be starting at left tackle. Moore will face his most significant test against the Panthers, phenom edge rusher Brian Burns. If having tight end George Kittle to aid to the left side means protecting your quarterback, I'd say get on board. For Garoppolo to be efficient, he will need a clean pocket.
Establish a RHYTHM Early
Head coach Kyle Shanahan needs his quarterback to establish the rhythm early. Garoppolo has thrown the ball for a completed pass in his last two games on the first play to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for first downs. The 49ers can move the ball well when Garoppolo completes high-percentage throws. Getting into a rhythm early allows Shanahan to call a very balanced game with a mixture of passes and runs. Start the game in rhythm and finish the game in rhythm.
CAPITALIZE on Opportunities
In this young season, we've seen the offense and the defense leave opportunities on the fields. Whether it's a misread or an overthrow to a wide-open pass catcher, a dropped interception, or a fumble recovery, the 49ers must take advantage of their opportunities. Being on the road and winning on the road won't be easy. If the 49er's offense can finish drives with touchdowns and the defense can force takeaways, the team could easily slide into Atlanta at 3-2.
LIMIT the Big Plays
The Panther's offense is loaded with talent, mainly at the wide receiver position. Though Baker Mayfield has struggled, he still likes to get the ball to one of his playmakers. Keep an eye on running back Christian McCaffrey out of the backfield. He could be a massive threat in the passing game, and he usually does his thing against the 49ers. The number two defense in the league should have no problems containing Mayfield and limiting CMC. If they do this, the 49ers could be sitting at 3-2.
Stay AGGRESSIVE
The 49ers must stay aggressive on both sides of the football. Last week against the Rams, the defense was aggressive for 60 minutes of football, not only getting a pick-six by safety Talanoa Hufanga, but defensive end Samson Ebukam capped off his best performance with a sack at the end of the game. The offensive tends to show signs of aggression, but they will need to stay aggressive for 60 minutes. The 49ers should never abandon the run. Running the ball consistently and effectively will dictate how the game flows and allow the 49ers to control the clock. Once the offense is in rhythm, do not take the foot off the gas. STAY Aggressive.
These 5 Keys may sound repetitive, but they remain simple. It's the little things that count. If the 49ers pay close attention to the small details, they will be victorious and record their first road win of the series.