Cat Scratch Reader - Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers: Week 1 full coverageKeep Pounding!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48401/catscratchreader_fave.png2017-09-13T08:00:03-04:00http://www.catscratchreader.com/rss/stream/160225992017-09-13T08:00:03-04:002017-09-13T08:00:03-04:00Analyzing the Panthers’ defensive performance against the 49ers
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<img alt="NFL: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fHZT6258Ic-wvhuCq8zOVXpvN_c=/351x0:4409x2705/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56649351/usa_today_10273523.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Panthers defense was dominant in their 23-3 win over the 49ers in Week 1.</p> <p id="9oq4kq">Week 1 of the NFL season can lead to unpredictable outcomes. The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>, and <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> are on top of their respective divisions. However, there are predictable outcomes during the first week of the season too. For the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>, it was their defensive performance against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>. Under first year defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, the Panthers set in motion an aggressive and disciplined defense. </p>
<h3 id="RZeHZ0">Coverages</h3>
<p id="LZE6q2">When Wilks was promoted, there was an expectation that he would implement more man coverage. The Panthers were in zone coverage close to <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Smith/status/898208631975542784">80%</a> of their snaps last season. Did those numbers come close to fruition on Sunday?</p>
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<cite>@BillyM_91</cite>
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<p id="WWV8RO">It’s way too early to make any sweeping conclusion based on one week, but there was a small shift to more man coverage. In addition, the Panthers were in man coverage four times on the first drive alone. So what type of man and zone coverage did the Panthers employ on Sunday?</p>
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<cite>@BillyM_91</cite>
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<p id="yNLLjs">Cover 3 is a three deep four under zone coverage. Usually, the two outside cornerbacks are responsible for the deep sideline while the single high safety patrols the deep middle. There are specific coverage calls such as cover 3 buzz, cover 1 robber, and cover 4 push, but I want to keep this simple. So now that we know the frequency of man vs zone and how many times they played each coverage, how successful were they?</p>
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<cite>@BillyM_91</cite>
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<p id="QVstCM">Despite cover 3 being the most frequent coverage utilized, it was also the most effective. Hoyer’s yard per play was an astounding 1.89, which is less than 3 full yards from the next coverage. </p>
<p id="6W44in">An important next step in the evolution of the defense will be more disguising on the cover 3 coverages. The Panthers call a weak side fire zone blitz with <span>James Bradberry</span> coming off the edge. Coleman is initially lined up in a two high look with <span>Mike Adams</span>, but at the snap Coleman takes the sideline third while Adams takes over the deep middle. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wilks calls a weak side fire zone corner blitz. Coleman transitions to the sideline 3rd and gets beat. Hoyer overthrows <a href="https://t.co/17u17SpmiB">pic.twitter.com/17u17SpmiB</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907626939178995712">September 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="lUszVW">I’d love to see more man coverage, but in 10 plays playing cover 1 they conceded 8 yards per play. James Bradberry was nearly beaten for a long reception by Marquise Goodwin. This goes down as 0 yards given up, but it could have been much worse.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bradberry gets v fortunate here. Coverage was ok, but should have been caught <a href="https://t.co/puACQ0qc54">pic.twitter.com/puACQ0qc54</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907057267064950784">September 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="foo7l3">Another man coverage call was also open for the 49ers, but Hoyer woefully under threw the pass. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coleman had a good game, but he gets turned around pretty bad here. Fortunately, Hoyer was inaccurate <a href="https://t.co/R61JkskVeE">pic.twitter.com/R61JkskVeE</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907397962246115328">September 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="rMMO8f">Playing man coverage requires hours and hours of film work. Defenders have to study the tendencies of the opposing offense, quarterback, and receiver. It’s not as simple as zone. </p>
<h3 id="K2OkDQ">Pass Rush</h3>
<p id="LXd8P9">The Panthers allocated a decent amount of resources into their pass rushing unit this off season. <span>Mario Addison</span> signed a lucrative extension. <span>Julius Peppers</span> came home. <span>Charles Johnson</span> signed a new contract. <span>Daeshon Hall</span> was drafted on the second day of the draft. Oh and <span>Kawann Short</span> signed a mega extension. Thanks Gettleman! </p>
<p id="wIZd5U">With that said, there were high expectations for this unit coming into 2017. How did they perform in their debut?</p>
<p id="fE9VwI">Not bad. The Panthers in years past rarely blitzed due to the strength of their front 4 and the liabilities in the secondary. Nonetheless, Carolina now possesses two promising young corners, one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league, and a solid free safety. There are questions about <span>Mike Adams</span>, but his experience is valuable. This allows them to become aggressive, which allows them to blitz more. </p>
<p id="kCVjZG">The Panthers blitzed 15 times on Sunday. Three of their sacks came as a result of blitzing. </p>
<p id="F8yjFd">The first sack of the game came from an unheralded member of the pass rushing unit, but a reliable one in <span>Wes Horton</span>. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wes Horton is still a valuable player. Remember the strip sack vs Washington last year. This was similar <a href="https://t.co/i936favYq5">pic.twitter.com/i936favYq5</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907059567565180928">September 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="Z3nbw5">The Panthers call a corner back blitz with the entire line shifting right. Bradberry attracts the attention of the left tackle while Horton gets a favorable matchup with the guard. He uses a rip move and makes his way to the quarterback to strip him. </p>
<p id="jcfDzc">The second sack of the game did not come off a blitz, but it showed the strength of the unit when working in sync. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">My oh my. Kawaan beats the guard on a hump move. Star and Peppers were relentless to finish the sack. <a href="https://t.co/tNXMsbnZDP">pic.twitter.com/tNXMsbnZDP</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907064981564391430">September 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="PSOeyB">Short initiates the pressure by utilizing a hump move on the guard. This forces <span>Brian Hoyer</span> to step up while <span>Star Lotulelei</span> and Julius Peppers are collapsing the pocket. The official credit was shared between Lotulelei and Peppers, but don’t discount Short’s impact on this play. It was vital. </p>
<h3 id="NNpu4r">Run Defense</h3>
<p id="pCQgcv">The run defense got off to a slow start on Sunday, but there were some positive signs to take away too.</p>
<p id="3HZNty">The run fits in the 1st half were inconsistent. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Star leaves the game and the run defense looks predictably bad. Missed tackle by Coleman on top of it <a href="https://t.co/qSCj819YIN">pic.twitter.com/qSCj819YIN</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907619810317565952">September 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="ouSme5">The 49ers are downblocking, which creates a crease for <span>Carlos Hyde</span> on the right side. <span>Kurt Coleman</span> anticipates the run, but misses the tackle. </p>
<p id="UKwW8a">The next big run was a result of the defensive line being unable to reset the line of scrimmage.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Part 2: his impact is key because no one else can reset the line of scrimmage. Huge running lane for Hyde <a href="https://t.co/HIwHM4TR8r">pic.twitter.com/HIwHM4TR8r</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907622048062681088">September 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="0gU7y8">Star was off the field on this play, but the 49ers make it look easy by hitting their landmarks and moving to the second level. </p>
<p id="mAzAUx">Star’s most notable contribution came on the 4th down stop. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Whew. Star uses a swim move to stuff the run on 4th down. Pay the man. Or not. <a href="https://t.co/WNFRfBh4ZE">pic.twitter.com/WNFRfBh4ZE</a></p>— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/907629740680466440">September 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="FwB9dN">He penetrates the 49ers offensive line by using a swim move to bring down the ball carrier. </p>
<p id="QCQsZi">It’s hard to evaluate the run defense because the 49ers dug themselves a huge hole. As a result, they weren’t able to run the ball many times in the 2nd half. Carlos Hyde averaged five yards per carry, but only on 9 carries. </p>
<h3 id="M5SkXe">More Notes</h3>
<ul>
<li id="zV5mU0">The Panthers were in base coverage on 41% of the snaps while they played nickel 59%</li>
<li id="DBCjS6">The Panthers blitzed in nickel packages 9 times while they blitzed in base package 7 times.</li>
<li id="JFttuC">
<span>Captain Munnerlyn</span> blitzed the most of any player on defense</li>
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<p id="V8h6PH"><em>Video clips courtesy of </em><a href="https://gamepass.nfl.com/packages?redirected=true"><em>NFL.com</em></a><em> </em></p>
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https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/13/16297568/csr-film-room-analyzing-the-panthers-defensive-performance-against-the-49ersBillyM_912017-09-12T22:00:01-04:002017-09-12T22:00:01-04:00Panthers 23 49ers 3 GIF Review: 4th down dominance
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<img alt="Carolina Panthers v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aKkks7e9wNZEGfHAo73ZFUqi1pU=/97x0:4069x2648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56647265/845470024.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Panthers stuffed the 49ers on three fourth down attempts.</p> <p id="0p7H7P">Here’s a look at those three terrific stops that were instrumental in the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> winning their season opener.</p>
<h4 id="ksY7RD">
<em><strong>2nd quarter 6:32 to go; 4th and 3 - QB </strong></em><span><em><strong>Brian Hoyer</strong></em></span><em><strong> sacked by LB </strong></em><span><em><strong>Thomas Davis</strong></em></span>
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<p id="p9Sdgq">The entire front line gets penetration but it’s Davis who totally runs over the block by RB <span>Carlos Hyde</span>. </p>
<h4 id="ppZlaP">
<em>2nd quarter 0:46 to go; 4th and 1 - FB is stuffed by DT </em><span><em>Star Lotulelei</em></span>
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<p id="dfqXdn">The RG just whiffs on his block of the Panthers DT who slices in to cut down the big FB. I think we can give an assist to DE <span>Wes Horton</span> who was there to make make sure the FB didn’t escape the grasp. Funny, neither player got credit for a Tackle for Loss (TFL) in the game book. </p>
<h4 id="ZM1MC3"><em><strong>4th quarter 8:54; 4th and Goal from the 1 - WR screen is stuffed</strong></em></h4>
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<p id="DqBX1C">First CB <span>James Bradberry</span> blows up the screen and forces RB Carlos Hyde to stutter a step. Of course LB <span>Luke Kuechly</span> is there to force Hyde inside right into the waiting arms of DE <span>Charles Johnson</span> and the run is stuffed. </p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/12/16298930/nfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-gif-review-4th-down-dominanceJaxon2017-09-12T14:00:02-04:002017-09-12T14:00:02-04:00Panthers 23 49ers 3: Inside the Game Book
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<img alt="Carolina Panthers v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kV389i96RVg50AcpS_wH1buIQ2o=/0x236:2540x1929/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56637913/845470082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s a look at the key team stats from the Panthers season opening win</p> <p id="uXKYeN">Let’s start with the stats from <a href="http://nflgsis.com/GameStatsLive/Auth/?ReturnUrl=%2FGameStatsLive%2F">NFL GSIS</a> that are key to sustaining drives. You could make the argument that the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> won the game here while the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> also lost it at the same time.</p>
<h4 id="rgWdND"><em>3rd Down Efficiency: Panthers 7-13-54% — 49ers 2-11-18% </em></h4>
<h4 id="4Hl3s6"><em>4th Down Efficiency: Panthers 0-0-0% — 49ers 1-4-25%</em></h4>
<p id="MIQdw6">The Panthers offense was over 50% on 3rd down while the defense held the 49ers to 2-11 plus an impressive 1-4 on 4th down. Two of those came in the 1st half when the 49ers were trying desperately to get a score on the board. Instead the Panthers turned the short field into another three points and a 13-0 lead at the half.</p>
<h4 id="ONWg2r"><em>Average gain per rushing play: Panthers 3.1 — 49ers 3.4</em></h4>
<h4 id="9HoisG"><em>Avg gain per pass play (inc.# thrown passing): Panthers 6.8 — 49ers 4.3</em></h4>
<p id="wYiVKl">Before you get too worried about the running numbers we had a lot more carries (38 to 15) in the game when we were simply trying to run out the clock and protect the lead. I also give props to a pretty strong front seven by the 49ers. Both Stewart and McCaffrey averaged 3.6 yards per carry.</p>
<p id="tJ1j1A">What I love is the passing number, this on a day when Newton’s passing accuracy what erratic at best. He missed a couple wide open passes, one that would have been an easy TD by Ed Dickson. So 6.8 is a pretty good number considering.</p>
<p id="X2VKC5">Now let’s look at the ‘mistake’ stats.</p>
<h4 id="yhnzgf"><em>PENALTIES Number and Yards: Panthers 5-40 yds — 49ers 10-74 yds</em></h4>
<h4 id="cPm4yH"><em>FUMBLES Number and Lost: Panthers 2-1 — 49ers 1-1</em></h4>
<p id="qksxmH">The Panthers did give up the ball twice, once on a fumble by rookie RB <span>Christian McCaffrey</span> and the other an INT of Cam Newton. Props to the 49er safety for making a beautiful play on the ball. In my view the ball was thrown late, something Newton did a few times early in this game. He needed to pull the trigger a count sooner. </p>
<p id="dyFWBX">Huge props to the coaching staff for another low penalty day. This is a trend we saw in the preseason and it has carried forward into the season opener. It could be a little better but not bad for an opener when you expect sloppy play. </p>
<h4 id="qkVjMm"><em>RED ZONE EFFICIENCY: Panthers 1-3-33% — 49ers 0-1-0% </em></h4>
<h4 id="zLjQLG"><em>GOAL TO GO EFFICIENCY: Panthers 1-2-50% — 49ers 0-1-0%</em></h4>
<p id="ZTwii7">The Panthers offense was satisfactory in the red zone but because of the big lead they were content to kick FGs. K <span>Graham Gano</span> was 3 for 3 on FGs justifying his roster spot. Let’s hope he keeps it going. I’m not sure what that means for rookie K <span>Harrison Butker</span> but he remains on the 53. </p>
<h4 id="F8VwLn"><em>Snap Counts</em></h4>
<p id="yZdMmC">Here’s some of the more interesting snap counts.</p>
<ul>
<li id="8Mt9a8">
<span>Kelvin Benjamin</span> and <span>Devin Funchess</span> were close at 43 and 45 snaps respectively. <span>Russell Shepard</span> and <span>Damiere Byrd</span> rotated in for 20 and 19 snaps. Shepard got two targets to <span>Byrd</span>’s one including a TD with his only catch.</li>
<li id="BrbpML">McCaffrey got 47 snaps to Jonathan Stewart’s 29. Yet Stewart got 20 touches in those 29 snaps so I hope that doesn’t become too much of a ‘tell’ to the defenses going forward.</li>
<li id="4kvUHr">DTs Kawann Short and <span>Star Lotulelei</span> played more snaps (47, 45) than the Panthers typically like to give their starting DTs. I will assume that is due to rookie DT <span>Vernon Butler</span> sitting out due to injury and the <span>Kyle Love</span> being less than 100%. No worries, the Panthers have DEs like <span>Julius Peppers</span>, <span>Wes Horton</span> and <span>Charles Johnson</span> that can move inside on passing downs. </li>
<li id="Ery2HJ">The starting defensive backfield played pretty much the entire game (99% of snaps). CB <span>Captain Munnerlyn</span> played 32 snaps (56%). He was rotating in and out with LB <span>Shaq Thompson</span> (26 snaps) depending on the down and distance. </li>
</ul>
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https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/12/16295288/nfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-inside-the-game-bookJaxon2017-09-12T08:00:05-04:002017-09-12T08:00:05-04:00The Hog Molly Report: Panthers at 49ers
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<img alt="NFL: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AZ1K9V3BMYdgFNvhKdyZs4jcHrs=/351x0:4409x2705/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56627797/usa_today_10273523.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It was a bright hog molly day down by the bay. Let’s look and see how the big boys graded out.</p> <p id="Zx6Z4j">Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Hog Molly Report, where winning in the trenches is all that matters. Before we begin, we open with the reciting of our usual motto:</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="ZrQFcZ"><q>“Big men allow you to compete. We're certainly going to look at the big hog mollies.” </q></aside></div>
<p id="KtcN7j">In the spirit of Mr. Gettleman’s words (regardless of him having moved on), and the philosophy of building a team from the inside out, my goal will be to watch the hog mollies each game during the season, and give them a grade based on their performance. This week we will look at the week one matchup against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>. The opening game always sets the tone for the season, so let’s look at the big buffet busters and discuss the good and bad.</p>
<h3 id="HzoyLt">Offensive Hog Mollies</h3>
<p id="8K4cyI">Rating: <strong>5 out of 5 Porcine Maurauders</strong></p>
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<p id="4KMvnb">Zero sacks allowed by the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> offensive line, along with a productive day running the football equals a five pig head rating for the opening game of the 2017 season. It would be hard to ask more of the offensive hog mollies than this, and if they can keep it up throughout the season, I believe we will continue to see Cam shake off some of his rust and really grow his confidence as his jersey stays clean. I was particularly impressed with the way the line enforced their will in obvious run situations while closing out the game. It did not matter that the defense knew what was coming, <span>Jonathan Stewart</span> and <span>Christian McCaffrey</span> were still able to gallop for 4-6 yards a clip behind the big pig push.</p>
<p id="J0TVav">The only player I would like to see more improvement out of is free agent acquisition <span>Matt Kalil</span>, as he did allow one hurry and one hit on <span>Cam Newton</span> coming off his side. I also would like to see him finish his blocks with more gusto, and seek out extra blocks until the whistle blows. Our best offensive lineman is <span>Trai Turner</span>, and that is because he looks to plant someone on his butt until the whistle blows pretty much every time. Matt Kalil should spend more time listening to him than his brother... in my opinion. I know it was hot, but nut up big fella.</p>
<h3 id="YkdjVD">Defensive Hog Mollies</h3>
<p id="oDY1Aa">Rating: <strong>5 out of 5 Bacon-Aters</strong></p>
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<p id="HPq04m">Sweet pork-filled Christmas... was this a dominating effort by the Panthers defensive line or what? Four sacks, several tackles for loss, and a couple handfuls of hurries and QB hits resulted in one really bad day for <span>Brian Hoyer</span> and the San Francisco 49ers offense. All the credit belongs to the Hoggiest of the Mollies in the middle... <span>Star Lotulelei</span> and <span>Kawann Short</span> for copious amounts of middle disruption and the general mayhem they caused. Their efforts freed up the defensive ends and blitzing linebackers to make the sacks and big tackles to keep this victory well in hand from beginning to end. Speaking of defensive ends... how about that <span>Julius Peppers</span>, eh? Welcome back, Pep. Welcome back.</p>
<h3 id="ibH2SK">Honorary Hog Molly: <span>Kelvin Benjamin</span>
</h3>
<p id="QuDpgQ">Rating: <strong>3 out of 5 Greased Pig-Wranglers</strong></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="3 out of 5 hogs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cncelKtaklF_a2ZqqULvA3HZY2A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7096867/3hogs.png">
</figure>
<p id="SxwtdQ">Consider this grade more of an incomplete than an indictment of Kelvin Benjamin from Sunday. He did make one big catch near the end of the half to create a scoring opportunity, but other than a couple bad throws and one terrible force into double coverage by <span>Cam Newton</span>, KB did not have much of a chance to showcase himself. Cam is going to get better as he gets back in the game flow and puts more reps under his belt, so I expect we are yet to see more of what Benjamin is capable of.</p>
<h3 id="VqZqKT">Hog Molly of the Week: Star Lotulelei</h3>
<p id="ojxUaL">The spirit of being a hog molly does not rest in showing up big time on the stat sheet. This is what many people who undervalue Star Lotulelei do not understand. As a former NT myself, I didn’t record a ton of stats either. But I was big and strong. I could force a double-team backward. I could collapse a pocket from the middle. I could affect a play strongly without actually making it. This is Star’s value to the team. Re-watching the game from yesterday, I could see a consistent impact from Star, and when he was off the field it was noticeable. Interior pressure by Lotulelei ended up forcing a lot of cutbacks into the arms of waiting linebackers and corners... to go along with his 3 tackles, 1 TFL, and half a sack. The sooner this man has a contract extension in his big paws, the better.</p>
<p id="fw2lfU"></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/12/16290566/the-hog-molly-report-2017-week-1-carolina-panthers-at-san-francisco-49ersErik Sommers2017-09-11T22:00:58-04:002017-09-11T22:00:58-04:00Panthers defense brought the pressure against the 49ers
<figure>
<img alt="Carolina Panthers v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HcA_yT4beCFmamaq01S8YbcCRhs=/0x13:3000x2013/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56629591/845391932.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers were determined to pressure the QB</p> <p id="Ikta6P">Here’s more <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16292420%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-defense-brought-the-pressure-against-the-49ers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">PFF grades from the defensive side of the ball</a> in the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> win over the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>. Of course it starts up front with DT KK Short.</p>
<blockquote><p id="SOVVfm">While defensive tackle Kawaan Short didn’t record a sack Sunday, he made sure San Francisco 49ers quarterback <span>Brian Hoyer</span> felt his presence. Short’s three hurries and one hit resulted in a pass rush productivity of 9.1, which ranked fourth among 4-3 defensive tackles. Pass Rush Productivity measures pressure on per snap basis with weighting towards sacks.</p></blockquote>
<p id="cwHTgJ">I’m pretty sure DT <span>Star Lotulelei</span> had a good grade on the day as well. He had three stops, half a sack and a fumble recovery. </p>
<blockquote><p id="5goGsb">Linebacker Thomas Davis led the charge for the Panthers’ defense Sunday. The 34-year-old had three stops against the pass and three stops against the run. He was fourth among NFL linebackers with a run-stop percentage of 20.0. Run-stop percentage is the percentage of a player’s run defense snaps where he was responsible for a stop.</p></blockquote>
<p id="mmKHay">TD is just amazing. His sack might have been the easiest of his career. </p>
<p id="0oxjEJ">Check out <span>Wes Horton</span>. He walloped the QB with a first quarter sack that set the tone.</p>
<blockquote><p id="hAr2KF">Defensive end Wes Horton had a pass rush productivity of 16.7, which was tied for the third-highest rate among 4-3 defensive ends. All three of his total pressures came from the right side. </p></blockquote>
<p id="hTqFDm">With Horton playing well that makes our DE rotation pretty lethal. </p>
<blockquote><p id="qMtFLQ">Four of the Panthers’ five sacks Sunday occurred when they sent five pass rushers. Overall, seven of their 14 total pressures occurred when they blitzed.</p></blockquote>
<p id="DZzQI2">We had a nice distribution of sacks: one each from LBs Thomas Davis and <span>Shaq Thompson</span>, one and half from DE Horton and <span>Julius Peppers</span> and a half from DT Lotulelei.</p>
<p id="IoOVPD">Lastly, there is a QB lesson to be learned here:</p>
<blockquote><p id="SXimaz">Inside linebacker <span>Luke Kuechly</span> allowed four catches for 32 yards and had an interception on the five targets thrown into his coverage. Quarterback Brian Hoyer registered a passer rating of 53.8 when throwing into Kuechly’s coverage. </p></blockquote>
<p id="M6YnEk">Kuechly’s INT was one of the most athletic INTs I’ve seen, the body control he demonstrated to pick off that ball. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="San Francisco 49ers v Carolina Panthers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dRAfaxC5zu-avBcoOykDJQDSW1s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9225055/607562520.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
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<p id="2uVr9J"></p>
<p id="0OnC2y"></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/11/16292420/nfl-carolina-panthers-defense-brought-the-pressure-against-the-49ersJaxon2017-09-11T12:00:02-04:002017-09-11T12:00:02-04:00Winners and Losers in the Panthers 23-3 win over the 49ers
<figure>
<img alt="Carolina Panthers v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jgvSj2Yxj4KD4TF4ldqpOvYCG8g=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56611193/845412748.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers had a big win to open the season on Sunday, let’s talk about who won big and who lost out a little.</p> <p id="dJRx7N">The <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> stand today at 1-0 thanks to a dominating defensive performance, and and offense that was able to control the flow of the game. Let’s take a look at who won and lost the most in this great performance to open the season.</p>
<h3 id="gsQF2T">Winners</h3>
<h4 id="CCoMb8"><span>Jonathan Stewart</span></h4>
<p id="FtABDj">After the huge workload that Panthers rookie RB <span>Christian McCaffrey</span> took on, you might expect to see his name here instead of Stewart’s. The reality though, is that it is very clear to me that <span>Jonathan Stewart</span> is going to benefit greatly from the rookie’s presence. This was most evident on Stewart’s touchdown reception where he easily picked his way into the end-zone, and also at the end of the game where the Panthers leaned heavily on Stewart to close the game out. Stewart having fresh legs in the fourth quarter is just what the team wants, and it ran to perfection today.</p>
<h4 id="xvL1R6"><span>Cam Newton</span></h4>
<p id="utexA3">Cam had a mediocre day in a normal situation (which this Sunday for him certainly wasn’t). He was clearly rusty in the first half, and it is possible that his shoulder is still giving him some trouble. Regardless of that, the Panthers figured out how to score 23 points without Cam having to do too much. That is a win for Newton, who is probably going to get better as he gets back in the swing of things. Also... Cam was not sacked once on Sunday. That has to be a relief for a guy who is used to being one of the most heavily pressured QBs in the NFL. Cam being a winner today is partially due to his offensive lines ability to win as well.</p>
<h4 id="ErriMS"><span>Star Lotulelei</span></h4>
<p id="R5qDit">If there was any doubt about Star’s contribution to this defense, he put it soundly to rest on Sunday.</p>
<div id="P4knAv">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Half sack, multiple pressures, a fumble recovery and several stops in the run game. Star Lotulelei was the defensive MVP today for Carolina</p>— CanadianPanther (@CP_CSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/CP_CSR/status/907072104809553921">September 11, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="sO2Dvr">Lotulelei was a disruptive force the entire game, taking on double teams and smashing right through them or pushing them right back into their own backfield. This led to some one on one opportunities for <span>Kawann Short</span>, which he also took full advantage of. All told, Star’s disruption in the middle was the catalyst for the defenses dominant performance against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>, and you can probably credit more than just a half sack to him.</p>
<h3 id="SXN8IR">Losers</h3>
<h4 id="qvibue"><span>Harrison Butker</span></h4>
<p id="QxkWK2"><span>Graham Gano</span> was a perfect 3/3 on field goals during this game and 2/2 on extra points. That is bad news for Butker, as apparently the team is really hoping to spend an extra $3.25m on a kicker this season instead of giving him the opportunity to do it.</p>
<h4 id="krNrjO">Wide Receivers not named Russel Shepard</h4>
<p id="N8AdPf">While I expect this to improve as <span>Cam Newton</span> rounds into form, the wide receivers failed to make much of an impact against the 49ers. In addition, the emphasis on getting Christian McCaffrey the football certainly hurt their looks as well. It will need to be seen whether this is just a phase, or if the group is having the same issues that they’ve had in the past... the lack of ability to create separation.</p>
<h4 id="94CQ1P"><span>Mario Addison</span></h4>
<p id="tFkANS">The San Francisco offense did not have much success today, but when they did, it was usually running it right at Mario Addison. Run contain has never been a strong point of Addison’s game, but had apparently been a focal point of his offseason training. It did not show against the 49ers, but luckily for us, our linebackers <span>Thomas Davis</span>, <span>Luke Kuechly</span>, and <span>Shaq Thompson</span> continue to be one of the strongest units in the NFL. Against a stronger opponent, the team is going to need Addison to be the three down end that they want him to be, instead of the pass rush specialist he has always been.</p>
<p id="ekf5ii">What do you think Panthers fans? Who won the biggest in the game against the 49ers?</p>
<div id="fBjY8T"><div data-anthem-component="poll:643581"></div></div>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/11/16285972/three-winners-and-three-losers-in-the-carolina-panthers-23-3-win-over-the-san-francisco-49ersErik Sommers2017-09-11T10:00:08-04:002017-09-11T10:00:08-04:00Panthers 23 49ers 3: Handing Out the Grades
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WKTD4luOusGgx_g90up8y7oB10s=/0x0:4475x2983/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56615193/usa_today_10273842.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here’s a look at the individual performances in the Panthers win</p> <p id="cvUl3C">The <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> were looking to start their season off a little better than last year’s beginning and they did just that...big time. The Panthers big names stood up:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="uqkT2R"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-refocused-carolina-panthers-23-san-francisco-49ers-3&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16287174%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-grades" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Refocused: Carolina Panthers 23, San Francisco 49ers 3 | NFL Analysis | Pro Football Focus</a></p>
<p id="HidYmB"><strong>TOP 5 GRADES</strong></p>
<p id="k7fU3L">DT <span>Kawann Short</span>, 88.6 overall grade</p>
<p id="IZSViE">OG <span>Trai Turner</span>, 88.6 overall grade</p>
<p id="C0oP4Z">LB <span>Thomas Davis</span>, 84.9 overall grade</p>
<p id="FFqbGd">RB <span>Jonathan Stewart</span>, 82.0 overall grade</p>
<p id="GlehuV">LB <span>Luke Kuechly</span>, 82.0 overall grade</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="hRctHT">The top 5 performances were by five Panthers Pro Bowlers. Player of game just might be this guy:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="Vm0jCk">DT <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fkawann-short%2F7825&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16287174%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-grades" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">KAWANN SHORT</a>, 88.6 OVERALL GRADE</p>
<p id="nMk60A">Short setup shop in the 49ers’ backfield and repeatedly got the better of 49ers’ LG <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fzane-beadles%2F5570&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16287174%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-grades" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Zane Beadles</a>. His <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fproducts%2Felite&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16287174%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-grades" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">four pressures</a> were combined with stifling work in the ground game that featured two stops. Sterner tasks await Short in the weeks to come but he’s off to a flying start and carried his strong form from last year into 2017.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="2WP1uD">Yet it wasn’t all roses which if you watched this game you know what I mean. There is no way to make this pretty, QB Cam Newton needs to play better:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="kqdZxo">QB <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fcam-newton%2F6153&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16287174%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-grades" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CAM NEWTON</a>, 66.9 OVERALL GRADE</p>
<p id="ngkeeE">The Panthers are building a team around <span>Cam Newton</span> to help him be successful, but if they are to truly compete they need him to play better than this. He missed multiple open receivers, including blowing at least one clear touchdown after a coverage bust in the 49ers secondary, and completed just <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fproducts%2Felite&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16287174%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-grades" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">55.0 percent of his passes when kept clean</a> in the pocket, for only 5.5 yards per attempt.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="ofG5RD">So the good news is the Panthers offensive line has stepped up to give the Pro Bowl QB time to throw. He just needs to get his accuracy back under control. </p>
<p id="GzODft">Be sure to click through above to read the rest of the write-up. What you won’t find is additional <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2017%2F9%2F11%2F16287174%2Fnfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-grades" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">PFF Elite information</a> like what I have below: </p>
<blockquote><p id="yLmKQm">Overall, the Panthers’ offensive line did a solid job of protecting Newton. The unit allowed six total pressures and registered a pass blocking efficiency of 82.7, which ranked ninth in the NFL for Week 1. Pass Blocking Efficiency measures pressure allowed on a per-snap basis with weighting towards sacks. </p></blockquote>
<p id="d7KOpL">So a big thanks to former GM Dave Gettleman for fixing the o-line at least for one game so far.</p>
<p id="c3Spg1">Here’s more on Newton that might make you feel a little better:</p>
<blockquote><p id="Tiq2hl">When blitzed against the 49ers, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton completed 4 of 7 passes for 68 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also had a passer rating of 90.2 when blitzed. When he was blitzed in 2016, he had seven passing touchdowns and five interceptions.</p></blockquote>
<p id="yvYnpw">With all the focus on rookie RB <span>Christian McCaffrey</span>, it was RB <span>Jonathan Stewart</span> who had the better day.</p>
<blockquote><p id="19lkT1">While running back Christian McCaffrey rightfully earned much of the hype for his elusiveness entering the season, it was his counterpart, Jonathan Stewart, who kept making people miss Sunday. The 30-year-old back forced six missed tackles on his 20 touches. He averaged 2.94 yards after contact per attempt. His elusive rating of 88.3 ranked third among running backs that earned a minimum of seven rushing attempts. McCaffrey forced four missed tackles and had an elusive rating of 30.8. </p></blockquote>
<p id="JIlcKn">Stewart finished with 65 yards on 18 carries (3.6) which is the same average yards per carry as McCaffrey.</p>
<p id="gNmbXG">So there is plenty to nit pick but in the end a win is a win. They will get back to work this week and try to get better next.</p>
<p id="21tJnr">I have more PFF stats on the Panthers defense to come later today.</p>
<p id="GWVJk2"></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/11/16287174/nfl-carolina-panthers-23-49ers-3-handing-out-the-gradesJaxon2017-09-11T08:00:05-04:002017-09-11T08:00:05-04:00Monday Morning Optimist: Panthers’ defense shuts down 49ers’ offense in Week 1 road win
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ox3ijqqPUNU2bEOsr-8MR8uOWQ8=/351x0:4409x2705/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56609725/usa_today_10273523.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers defense came to play in San Francisco.</p> <p id="LhBXU5">It’s always good when your favorite team wins. Sometimes they win pretty, but other times that doesn’t exactly happen. Yesterday was one of those times for the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>’ offense. The first half of yesterday’s game against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> was a rust bucket of miscues and mediocrity, notably from quarterback <span>Cam Newton</span> who looked like a guy who missed the entire preseason following offseason shoulder surgery. </p>
<p id="VLd51d">Aside from a 40-yard touchdown pass to <span>Russell Shepard</span>, <span>Newton</span> was off on nearly every throw he made in the first half. Fortunately for the Panthers, he seemed to find his way in the second half and managed to end the game with a decent showing: 14/25 for 171 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.</p>
<p id="RXv0Pi">But, the Panthers still won the game in convincing fashion thanks to a physical and dominant performance by the defense. With that being said, let’s break this game down...</p>
<h3 id="jeZMwX">What I liked...</h3>
<p id="SkERa4"><strong>Panthers Defense — Extremely Optimistic</strong></p>
<p id="vpvqnp">I cannot say enough positive things about the defense, but I’m going to use this section of the column to try.</p>
<p id="BIUBUw">The Panthers defense came to play yesterday, simple and plain. They showed that they’re as good as advertised, and they gave us plenty of reasons to be excited about them for the 2017 season. There were a few runs by <span>Carlos Hyde</span> that were troubling, but outside of that the Panthers completely shut down the 49ers’ offensive attack. The Panthers also turned into a brick wall on 4th down, keeping the 49ers from extending drives on 3 of 4 attempts, including a huge stand on 4th and goal late in the 2nd half.</p>
<p id="xD9sXK">Bryan Hoyer was sacked four times. (Should have been five but a penalty on <span>Charles Johnson</span> negated one.) Bryan Hoyer’s passer rating yesterday was 70.3. Bryan Hoyer threw zero touchdown passes. Bryan Hoyer threw 35 times yesterday and was held under 200 yards passing. These are all good things if you’re a Panthers fan.</p>
<p id="GWeRsG">The pass rush was consistently good yesterday. Every player on the defensive line did his job and prevented the 49ers offense from getting anything started. You can’t ask for much more than that.</p>
<p id="JHBPNP"><span>Thomas Davis</span> and <span>Luke Kuechly</span> continue to be one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL. Davis particularly had himself a game, with seven tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. “But he’s 34 years old...” they said. “But he’s lost a step...” they said. They say a lot of things, but they’re wrong. Thomas Davis is just as good now as he’s always been. We saw that yesterday.</p>
<p id="z6ahIG">Special shoutout to <span>Kurt Coleman</span> too. He was all over the place yesterday. He played like a man who wanted to prove he deserved his captain’s badge, and if you ask me — he definitely proved it.</p>
<p id="GMHgdN"><span><strong>Graham Gano</strong></span><strong> — Cautiously Optimistic</strong></p>
<p id="f0HLYN">I don’t want to get too excited, but Gano was 3/3 yesterday. Granted, none of his field goal attempts were more than 40 yards (two from 39 yards and one from 36 yards), but Gano didn’t miss any. I still don’t like having two kickers on the roster, but as long as Gano keeps making his kicks I won’t complain about him getting the nod.</p>
<p id="mPLcRm"><span><strong>Christian McCaffrey</strong></span><strong> — Somewhat Optimistic</strong></p>
<p id="c19lPa">It’s not his fault, but the Panthers tried too hard to get McCaffrey involved in the offense yesterday. They should let it come more naturally instead of trying to force it too much. McCaffrey is dynamic and he’ll be able to take advantage of certain situations, but the Panthers don’t need to force those situations on him like they did. Plus, his fumble was bad. Hopefully we don’t see that too often. </p>
<h3 id="8gT3ac">What I didn’t like...</h3>
<p id="p0vRwx"><strong>Panthers First Half Offense — Somewhat Pessimistic</strong></p>
<p id="0OS1pC">I mentioned this already, but the offense looked bad in the first half except for that one touchdown pass to Russell Shepard. Fortunately they worked it out and had a better showing in the second half, but the first half was pretty ugly to watch. </p>
<p id="lb3DHB">Still won, though.</p>
<h3 id="4m6Q31">What’s next?</h3>
<p id="yPyIMm">The home opener against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (aka the “Panthers North”). Hopefully the Panthers improve on their Week 1 win and double their win total on the young season. The Bills are coming off a Week 1 win over the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, so they’ll also look to keep their momentum going. It’s up to the Panthers to shut it down, so let’s hope they can.</p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2017/9/11/16285396/panthers-defense-shuts-down-49ers-offense-in-week-1-road-winBradley Smith