49ers Will Face Kyle Allen, not Cam Newton at QB vs. Panthers in Week 8
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has just announced that the team will continue to roll with Kyle Allen as the starting quarterback. Allen has been filling in for Cam Newton ever since he re-aggravated his foot injury in week two.
Now it may seem like the San Francisco 49ers are getting off the hook easily since they're facing a backup quarterback on Sunday. A backup quarterback who went undrafted. However, Kyle Allen has actually been turning some heads since he took over the starting role.
In his four starts this season with the Panthers, Allen has produced seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. His completions and passing yards are 80-of-122, 901 yards. These are numbers that he has produced that has helped the Carolina Panthers remain undefeated in his time as the starter. In fact, Kyle Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history to win his first five games while throwing zero interceptions.
That is no coincidence that he has managed this. Allen does have some talent that he isn't being given credit for. He is taking care of the football and is making plays when needed. It does help that he has MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey in the backfield to ease the pressure off of him. But Allen is operating the offense of the Panthers soundly.
The throws he has been making into some tight spots has been amazing, considering he is supposed to be a backup. His thought process when it comes to deciphering coverages is also very sharp. You don't throw for zero interceptions without some deductible skills and Allen has plenty of it.
Allen has been performing so adequately that people have started to believe that the Panthers are better off sticking with him the rest of the season.
Some of those beliefs may be true if he is able to continue his strong play, especially against the elite defense of the 49ers. San Francisco, much like with Washington last Sunday, must not overlook their opponent. The Panthers are coming off a bye, so they will be well rested and prepared for the 49ers.
Kyle Allen may have a chance to dice up their defense since all the attention will be on stopping Christian McCaffrey. Do not be shocked if Sunday's week eight matchup with the Panthers is closer than you think. Luckily for the San Francisco 49ers, they might be getting some of their key players back. Ahkello Witherspoon has a shot at returning, which will be needed going forward.
As talented as Cam Newton is, the 49ers would have been better off with him starting over Kyle Allen. Allen gives the Panthers the best shot to win, so the 49ers will need to be on their toes.
