Three Keys To Victory: Week Five
The San Francisco 49ers currently have a 2-2 record going into their matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week Five this Sunday. With a chance to be above .500 for the first time this season, the Niners must capitalize against another inferior roster that is currently struggling. Here are three keys to victory for this Sunday.
49ers Pass Rush: Cause Havoc For Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has struggled this season as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. There have even been whispers of him potentially losing the starting job to backup QB Sam Darnold. The last time the 49ers faced Baker Mayfield was in 2019 in a dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield struggled in that game as well against the Niners’ defense heavily because he was under immense pressure. The 49ers need to put Mayfield in that same position on Sunday.
The depth of the defensive line will be crucial in the upcoming weeks. Both starting interior defensive linemen, Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw will not play this weekend due to injuries. This is an opportunity for other guys on the depth chart to stand out. If the 49ers can consistently collapse the pocket on Mayfield and force him to make more difficult plays, he will be bound to make mistakes against the Niners’ lockdown secondary.
Of course, they need to limit the production of Christian McCaffrey, however, it is not likely the Panthers’ recipe for success will be to defeat the Niners with their running back. Much more should be required of Baker Mayfield against this elite defense. Defensively, the Niners can completely take Carolina out of the game.
Execution On The Offensive Line
Similar to last week, the offensive line must be steady. Still, without all-pro tackle Trent Williams, there is a glaring weak spot on the line at left tackle. Colton McKivitz who started last week against the Rams in relief of Williams sprained his MCL and won’t be available for quite some time. It will likely now be up to Jaylon Moore to start and hold down the left side of the line and protect Garoppolo’s blind side. It is also possible they give Daniel Brunskill some reps at tackle if Moore struggles, but it is also possible that Brunskill may re-take his starting position at right guard this Sunday which will be something to monitor.
The offensive line has been much better than many anticipated, but, when you don’t have Trent Williams available, there is a dramatic drop-off no matter what. The Shanahan offense is won in the trenches, and the big guys up front will be essential in getting the rushing attack going.
It is also important that they minimize the impact of Brian Burns, a potent edge rusher. The 49ers still only put up 17 points last week; a huge part of that was that Garoppolo didn’t get sacked once. Hopefully, they can repeat that trend this Sunday.
No Self-Inflicted Wounds
In reality, the Panthers on paper should stand no chance against the 49ers. What can give the Panthers a chance throughout the game is if the Niners become their worst enemy. It happened in Week One against the Chicago Bears when they committed 12 penalties which sacrificed 99 yards. It happened again in Week Three against the Denver Broncos when the 49ers were an abysmal one for ten on third downs. And of course, when Garoppolo walked out of the end zone.
If the Niners just play a clean game by minimizing penalties, taking care of the ball and just not making mental errors, they should be victorious tomorrow with a 3-2 record still sitting at the top of the NFC West. If the 49ers can execute their game plan without playing against themselves, the 49er faithful should have a very enjoyable Sunday.
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