Midweek musings ...
The Carolina Panthers have reeled off four straight wins during the emergence of a back-up quarterback and despite a schedule that has seen them play at home one once during that span. Yet that seems tame compared to the start turned in by the San Francisco 49ers, which has begun the season 6-0 for the first time since 1990.
And despite not looking its best during a 9-0 win over Washington (a game marred by soggy weather) San Francisco rest its laurels on two pillars of the game that makes it formidable regardless of the elements – a relentless running game and a stout defense.
Here are five things to consider midweek as gameday approaches (Sunday, 4:05 ET on FOX):
· San Francisco is committed to running the football. Its 234 rushing attempts are the second-most in the NFL while its 4.4 yards-per-carry average is 12th.
· But while the 49ers are able to move the ball on the ground, they still need their share of explosive plays to stretch the field. San Francisco is 10 with a 7.9 average per pass attempt, but its still lacking consistency outside of tight end George Kittle. Its receivers are totaling 8.17 receptions for 113.2 yards a game, averages that are last or next-to-last in the league. Likewise for the receiving corps’ four touchdowns (T-24).
· The 49ers made a move to bolster its passing game on Tuesday by acquiring WR Emmanuel Sanders from Denver. San Francisco 2020 third and fourth-round draft picks to the Broncos for Sanders and a fifth-round selection in 2020.
· Some of the passing struggles are alleviated by a defense that leads the league in passing yards allowed per game and is second in total yards and points surrendered. A big part of that is because of a defensive front that includes five former first-round picks that has harassed quarterbacks and contributed to a defense that’s allowing only 90 yards rushing a game.
· The next level of the defense is loaded with athletes, including Fred Warner. The linebacker has 33 tackles, two TFLs and a forced fumble. With sideline-to-sideline range, a Warner-Christian McCaffrey (second in the NFL with 923 yards from scrimmage) matchup should be the most captivating of the day.
