Run the Ball
The 49ers have their run game back after the return of quarterback Brock Purdy. Running back Christian McCaffrey averaged 6.2 yards per attempt against the Cardinals' 16th-ranked run defense.
The Panthers rank 17th against the run. Expect a huge game plan from head coach Kyle Shanahan involving the run game with McCaffrey against his former team. Don't be surprised if CMC gets the bulk of the touches. Mixing in a little Brian Robinson wouldn't hurt, as well.
If the 49ers run the ball successfully, they will control the clock and the tempo and be victorious.
Stop the Run
The 49ers' run defense ranks 12th in the NFL. The Panthers rank 9th in rushing this season, with Rico Dowdle leading them in the backfield. The 49ers' defense must limit explosive runs on the ground to keep the rushing yards to a minimum.
The 49ers' defense must play fundamental football, meaning 11 men to the ball and wrapping and tackling. With or without linebacker Tatum Bethune, the 49ers must stop the run to be victorious.
Generate Explosives
The 49ers play excellent football when they generate explosive plays both on the ground and in the air. They can attack the Panthers' defense in both ways. Expect Purdy to be efficient, but take his shots downfield against a struggling secondary.
The more explosive plays made, the more opportunities there will be to score touchdowns. If the 49ers can generate several explosive plays throughout the game, they will be headed to their eighth win of the season.
The 49ers have a lot riding on this game. Winning another conference game in primetime should boost their morale as a team and continue to give them something to fight for before they head into their bye week. Winning on Monday nights sends a message to the whole league.
If the 49ers want to be victorious, they must stick to the Keys to Victory.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Watch: 49ers players take the practice field for first OTA session
The San Francisco 49ers officially kicked off organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday, marking the team's first on-field work of the offseason program. While the opening practice was closed to the media, the 49ers shared highlights from the session across their social... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy Keeps Silencing Critics With Winning, Production, and Proof
Recently, Wayne "Breezy" Brown wrote a brief but excellent article on why this coming season is an important one for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Brown identifies the myriad accomplishments Brock has and lists the naysayers' accusations for why Brock is not a... -
Where does 49ers' Mac Jones rank among NFL backup QBs by trade value?
Mac Jones saved the San Francisco 49ers' season in 2025. That wasn't a statement any fan expected to hear before last season began. But it happened. And it's not an overreaction. Starting QB Brock Purdy missed eight games in 2025. And Jones filled in admirably, going 5-3, and... -
USA Today predicts 49ers record for 2026
Last season, the San Francisco 49ers finished with an impressive 12-5 record, despite many injuries to key players. Some injuries, like those to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall, lasted multiple weeks. But there were more devastating ones, like the season-ending...