San Francisco 49ers vs Carolina Panthers: Can Garappolo rise to the challenge?

Undefeated

Seven weeks into the season, 49ers are still one of the undefeated teams. I doubt that many have expected this to happen, but thanks to the major improvements one defense, they were able to do it. Last 3 weeks, they allowed 10 points combined! Last week, they "pitched" a shutout in Washington. We need to add that the game was played in wet conditions with passing games being pretty much irrelevant. That probably played right into their strengths with defense and rushing attack being their forte.

This week, they are coming back to California. Weather will be nice, so they need to be ready for all phases of the game. The big problem for the offense is that both starting tackles are still absent. Joe Staley is close to returning but still doubtful for this game. McGlinchey is out. Them being out was not such a big deal vs Washington, but it might be today. Carolina's run defense is not among the best with 4.7 yards per carry allowed. But with fast linebackers like Shaq Thompson, Luke Kuechly and Eric Reid (hybrid safety), they need mobile tackles to beat them to the spot and make those key blocks that usually spring Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman free.

Backup QB leading the team to 4-0

Panthers are coming off their bye week, after a big win in London. They managed to revenge the earlier loss to their divisional rivals (Buccaneers) and improved to 4-2. Backup Kyle Allen still being undefeated since taking over in week 3, when Cam Newton was unable to play because of the injury. It will be interesting to see what Panthers are going to do in case Allen gets another win. That would make him 5-0 for the season, while Newton lost both of his starts. Will they make a bold decision and bench Newton?

Stopping the run will be the key for them in this game. They need to stack the box and force Garoppolo to beat them with his arm. Considering he threw for 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, that would be a smart bet to make. Niners did improve by trading for Emmanuel Sanders this week. But their identity is still running the ball. And with Ross Cockrell emerging, Panthers now have 3 guys that they can trust to win their matchups, which will allow them to drop a safety into the box to run support.

Niners vs Panthers best bet

Panthers have been protecting Kyle Allen a bit with the play-calling, but they are trusting him more by the week. It opens up their offense and doesn't let opposing defenses to zero-in on Christian McCaffrey. CMC was limited to 31 yards on the ground last game, but I wouldn't read too much into it. Buccaneers have the best run defense in the league so far. He will definitely bounce back strongly in this game and offer big support to his young QB.

For the first time this season, Niners might be slightly overpriced. Covering such numbers without a productive passing game is very difficult. And in my opinion that is what they are lacking at the moment. Garoppolo is struggling and I don't see him doing well vs this solid pass defense.