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Panthers schedule preview: San Francisco blues

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Over the next two weeks I'll be taking a look at the Panthers' schedule, previewing each game, starting with the Panthers' Week 1 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

49ers' key additions: HC Kyle Shanahan, FB Kyle Juszczyk, QB Brian Hoyer, WR Marquise Goodwin, LB Malcolm Smith, WR Pierre Garcon, K Robbie Gould, TE Logan Paulsen, FS Don Jones, WR Aldrick Robinson, LB Brock Coyle, QB Matt Barkley, C Jeremy Zuttah, DT Chris Jones, LB Dekoda Watson, HB Tim Hightower

49ers' key losses: QB Colin Kaepernick, WR Torrey Smith, S Antoine Bethea, K Phil Dawson, HB Shaun Draughn, WR Quinton Patton

49ers' draft picks: DE Solomon Thomas, LB Reuben Foster, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, QB C.J. Beathard, CB Adrian Colbert, LB Pita Taumoepenu, DT D.J. Jones, WR Trent Taylor, HB Joe Williams, HB Kapri Bibbs, TE George Kittle

Why they'll lose to the Panthers

As the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Shanahan never failed to score points on the Panthers defense, but that was with some of the best personnel assembled in NFL history. Shanahan will quickly find out that Pierre Garcon is not Julio Jones, nor is Carlos Hyde the equivalent of Devonta Freeman. The Panthers had their way with San Francisco last year and the Niners still have one of the worst rosters in the league coming into 2017. On the flip side the Panthers will be coming into this game with a -- hopefully -- healthy Cam Newton and a stable of new weapons to help the franchise signal caller increase his efficiency from a statistical accuracy standpoint. Factor in a defensive front that looks to be one of the NFL's best and the Panthers should have no problem starting 2017 1-0

Why they'll beat the Panthers

The 49ers have invested three first round picks in their defensive line since 2015, including Solomon Thomas, a player many think could end up being the best in the 2017 draft. If the 49ers can figure out how to utilize these talents after switching to a 4-3 front, then it could spell disaster for a Carolina offensive line that required max protection to keep Cam Newton clean. Shanahan may not have the most talented personnel, but all it takes is to hit on a few big plays and getting into scoring position to apply real pressure. If the susceptible Carolina secondary demonstrates lapses, then we could be in for some of the wildest overreactions at the conclusion of Week 1.

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