Putting brakes on Panthers’ McCaffrey a key to victory
The most dynamic player in the NFL not named Patrick Mahomes looms as a threat to the 49ers existence as an unbeaten team.
Christian McCaffrey is the rare kind of guy who can ruin a defense all by himself, which is what he’ll try to do when the Carolina Panthers invade Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
“I mean, he creates a lot of problems,” Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles said of the speedy third-year running back from Stanford. “I don’t think you can stop him with one guy. Sometimes, not even two.”
If anyone knows all the trouble McCaffrey can cause, it’s probably Kyle Shanahan. When their fathers were with the Broncos — Mike Shanahan coached McCaffrey’s dad, Ed — Kyle’s sister used to babysit Christian.
While the 49ers try to keep an eye on McCaffrey, here’s a closer look at some potential factors on Sunday:
GAME ESSENTIALS >> 49ers (6-0) vs. Carolina (4-2) at Levi’s Stadium, Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (PT) on FoxTV. ODDS: 49ers -5.5.
THREE REASONS FOR 49ERS’ OPTIMISM
UNBEATEN ALLEN HARDLY PERFECT >> The Panthers’ startling turnaround since Kyle Allen took over at quarterback for an injured Cam Newton in Week 2 hasn’t been a tale of dominance. Yes, Carolina has won all four of Allen’s starts, but not all of his numbers jump off the page. His 62.3 passing grade by Pro Football Focus is just the 23rd best grade among NFL quarterbacks this season. The Panthers’ defense has helped give Allen the best average starting field position in the NFL (33.4 yards). But now he’s facing a 49ers defense that’s given up a league-low 133.5 yards per game. Also, Allen had fumbled six times and has lost four of them. And now he’ll face arguably the league’s top defensive line.
PANTHERS LINE HASN’T BEEN SPECIAL >> Sure, Carolina has been winning. But, in terms of protecting its quarterback, the Panthers haven’t always been winning. In fact, their line is ranked just 21st in the league in protecting Allen and Newton this season with an adjusted sack rate of 7.9%. That’s the kind of news guys like Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford and Aric Armstead like to hear.
A BAD TIME FOR A BYE? >> While players love their well-deserved week break during the season, the argument can certainly be made that it didn’t come at an opportune time for the Panthers, winners of four straight games. Sure, Carolina gets some more time to try to figure out how to deal with the unbeaten 49ers, but there’s something to be said for keeping things rolling while you are on a winning streak.
THREE REASONS FOR 49ERS’ PESSIMISM
CAM NEWTON ISN’T PLAYING >> Perhaps that’s a harsh assessment of the injured former MVP, but there’s no arguing the Panthers have taken off since undrafted quarterback Kyle Allen took over for Newton after Week 2. Also, the Panthers have lost the last eight games Newton has started, including two this year when he struggled. Conversely, Carolina has won all four of Allen’s starts as the 23-year-old
has been a revelation — throwing for 901 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. He’s also earned high marks for his leadership, which will certainly be tested against a 49ers defense ranked No. 1 in least yards allowed (223.5 per game) and least amount of passing yards (133.5 per game), and ranked second in points allowed (10.7).
LUKE KUECHLY STILL CAUSING TROUBLE >> Linebacker Luke Kuechly continues to be a disruptive force for the Panthers defense, which has come away with the second-most turnovers in the NFL with 15. Carolina has scored 54 points off those turnovers, the second-most in the league. The hard-hitting Kuechly is fifth in the league in tackles with 62, an average of a little more than 10 per game. In addition, Kuuechly is Pro Football Focus’ thirdrated linebacker in the league among the 56 who’ve played at least 200 snaps this year.
PRESSURE ON JIMMY G >> 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be facing a pass rush that’s sacked opposing quarterbacks on 9.6 percent of their dropbacks, the second-best rate in the NFL according to PFF.com. Kuechly himself is enough of a headache for quarterbacks, but there’s also another Panthers linebacker who’s made his presence felt: Mario Addison is seventh in the NFL with 6.5 sacks. Also, defensive end Brian Burns, who underwent wrist surgery during the bye and is expected to play, has been a factor with 4.5 sacks.
PROBABLE DIFFERENCEMAKER
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY >> The 23-yearold McCaffrey is the busiest back in the NFL with a league-leading 21.2 carries per game and a league-high tying seven catches per game. As the Buccaneers defensive coordinator points out, it’s going to take more than a couple of defenders to slow McCaffrey down. A week after he had 209 yards from scrimmage against the Rams, Tampa Bay went all out to stop McCaffrey from running the ball — limiting him to a season-low 31 rushing yards two weeks ago. But he still scored two touchdowns, including one on an electrifying 25-yard catch. Overall, he’s third in the league with 618 rushing yards and he’s tied with the Packers’ Aaron Jones (who’s played one more game) with nine touchdowns.