Hello CSR! We’re back onto the next game after the Panthers miraculous overtime win over the Falcons that once again put them into the NFC playoff conversation. Their defense struggled mightily against
Bijan Robinson last week, allowing two big touchdowns that put them down by two scores going into halftime. Luckily, the Panthers managed to clamp down on defense in the second half, only allowing two field goals which both came in the 4th quarter when the Panthers were back in it. The defense came up with a 3 and out in overtime, the offense took it home for the game winning field goal, and that was all she wrote as the Panthers swept the Falcons for the first time since 2013, and head into Monday Night Football with a 6-5 record and their destiny well within control. This week could be much rockier for them, as the 49ers offense is getting healthier and they have starting QB Brock Purdy back in the fold. Let’s dive right in to how this matchup needs to play out.
- The linebackers and safeties cannot start slow against Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. This game features probably the worst overall matchup on paper for this Panthers defense we’ve seen all season. Christian Rozeboom seems unlikely to play at inside linebacker, while fellow starter Trevin Wallace could not play against the Falcons last week. Looking at the other side of the line, Christian McCaffrey is healthy and thriving both as a rusher and receiver for this 49ers squad, as he’s caught 74 passes (2nd at all positions) for 732 yards (9th) and 5 TDs, with 707 yards and 6 TDs as a rusher. George Kittle will be healthy for this game, and while he’s missed some time this season, he’s an always reliable passing threat at tight end and has still accounted for 5 TDs on just 27 receptions when healthy. So looking at the matchup, the Panthers linebackers and safeties could be in for a very long game over the middle this week. The 49ers thrive throwing the ball in the middle of the field, whether its to the two aforementioned studs or one of their many wide receivers. The Panthers need to have a solid plan for defending the pass over the middle, while still trying to contain CMC as a rusher. I don’t have a lot of answers aside from deploying S Tre’Von Moehrig in what could be his most pivotal matchup of the season.
- Defend the deep and intermediate passes. The 49ers sport a bevy of wide receiver options, all who can challenge the boundary and deep middle of the field. Kendrick Bourne and a now healthy Ricky Pearsall are averaging 15.5 and 15.6 yards per catch respectively, while Jawaun Jennings has ripped off a couple of very nice receiving performances when needed this season. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson have both played well, but both have also given up some deep shots (understandably) at times. They can’t be tripping in coverage or letting players get too far behind them, as the 49ers can and will challenge the Panthers down field if the defense can somehow limit the easy yardage for CMC and Kyle Shanahan’s passing scheme.
- Have a day, DL. What seems to be keeping the Panthers in games defensively, especially as games wear on going into the second half, is unrelenting performances by their defensive line and edge players. Nic Scourton has become one of the better rookie edge defenders, Derrick Brown is still a monster, and many of the other linemen like A’Shawn Robinson Tershawn Wharton have managed to make some plays around all of them. The Kyle Shanahan offense is built around misdirection and quick hitting runs, and the only way the Panthers can stymie that attack is to win in the trenches. Getting some pressures on Brock Purdy would go a long way in keeping the Panthers in this football game.
What are you looking for from the defense on Monday Night Football this week, Panthers fans?
