In preparation of tomorrow’s Panthers-49ers tilt, I spoke with David Fucillo of Niners Nation to gauge their thoughts on the matchup. Below are my five questions and his answers to them.
Also, be sure to check out Niners Nation for my answers to his questions.
What player or group of players on the Panthers concerns you most?
The easy answer based on what everybody is writing about this week might be Christian McCaffrey, but I'll go with the Panthers defensive front. The 49ers offensive line has some potential, but the guard positions in particular terrify me. The 49ers offense showed some signs of life in the dress rehearsal preseason game, but I worry about inconsistency from the guards. Add in a still young and inconsistent Trent Brown at right tackle, and I think that will make or break this game for the 49ers.
Which player or group of players on the Panthers concerns you the least?
I'd probably say the offensive line. It doesn't seem like an awful group by any stretch, but there's nothing that stands out incredibly about it. The 49ers defensive front has had a talent infusion the past couple years, and I think they can come together and give that group some trouble this week.
How well do you think the 49ers defense will match up against Christian McCaffrey?
Reuben Foster and NaVorro Bowman should get time against him, and that is the matchup on defense that could make or break this game. Bowman is coming off a torn Achilles [two] years after a torn ACL. He's plenty talented, but we don't really know exactly where his athleticism is at this point. Reuben Foster is more likely to be out there against McCaffrey in nickel and dime situations. It's crazy athleticism on both sides of the matchup. Foster is a rookie so there is some concern, but I think this could be the best matchup of the day for both sides.
How confident are you in the 49ers quarterback situation?
Confident enough that it will be "adequate" this season. I mentioned the 49ers o-line above, and that will play into this. I don't expect Brian Hoyer to be "the guy" in five years, or even in three years. But for a rebuilding team, he is what they need. A low ceiling adequate floor option who knows what Kyle Shanahan wants. They found some success in Cleveland, and if he can stay healthy, they can build on it. C.J. Beathard excelled in training camp and won the backup job as a rookie. I have no idea if either will be starting for the 49ers in two years, but for this year, it's fine.
What’s your final score prediction for the game?
The 49ers are a 5.5-point underdog. They have won six straight Week 1 matchups, and while roster turnover means that is a useless stat, I'll go with the upset and the seventh straight Week 1 win. I'm thinking the 49ers win a defensive battle 17-13.
What do you think, Panthers fans? Will the 49ers be able to pull off the upset? Are you excited about McCaffrey vs Foster? Sound off with your thoughts!