The Panthers play their most important game of the season yet on Sunday, visiting the NFC-leading 49ers.
Here are six stories we will be following this weekend.
Christian McCaffrey’s MVP case
By now you’ve probably heard a million times that Kyle Allen is undefeated and the Panthers have no choice but to continue starting him even after Cam Newton is healthy again. While Allen hasn’t lost a game, it’s been McCaffrey that’s driving the offense. He’s scored half of the team’s touchdowns and accounted for 43.5% of their yards from scrimmage. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson look like the current favorites to win MVP, but if Carolina keeps winning with McCaffrey playing like this, he will at least stay in the conversation. Another productive game from McCaffrey in a win over the 49ers would be a huge boost for his case to win the award.
Chess match: Ron Rivera vs. Kyle Shanahan
There are plenty of interesting individual matchups to watch on the field in this one. However, the one that is likely to determine the outcome more than any other is the chess match between Shanahan and Rivera. Shanahan doesn’t have an MVP quarterback like he did in Atlanta, but he’s still one of the league’s most creative offensive minds and knows how to use his running backs as well as anyone. On the other side, Rivera has his defense playing at an elite level, especially a pass rush that ranks first in the league in sacks.
Arms race: Kyle Allen and Jimmy Garoppolo
There are a lot of similarities between the starting quarterbacks in this matchup. Both Allen and Garoppolo haven’t lost this season (10-0 combined) but they’re also not the main reason their teams are winning. Their numbers are equally unimpressive: Allen has thrown seven touchdowns to go with six fumbles, while Garoppolo also has seven touchdowns and six interceptions. It won’t get any easier this week as they both face elite defensive units. A breakout performance for either one would have a huge impact.
Matching up with Emmanuel Sanders
The Panthers were rumored to be in the market for Emmanuel Sanders earlier this week. If that was the case, then the 49ers beat them to the punch, dealing draft picks to the Broncos for their best wide receiver. Sanders gives the Niners a badly-needed receiving weapon, as tight end George Kittle was having to carry their passing game too much. Shanahan says Sanders will play, which presents some potential intriguing matchups. When Sanders is in the slot, he’ll face Javien Elliott, who is having a strong season along with the rest of the Panthers secondary. Outside it will either be James Bradberry or Donte Jackson, who is returning from his groin injury.
The Eric Reid revenge game?
Most athletes will tell you a game is just like any other game, whether it’s a division rival or a former team. The truth is not all games are equal and some matter more than others, both in the standings and in terms of the emotions for the players involved. Reid used to play for the 49ers and it sounds like he may have some extra motivation to do well this week. Reid told reporters he was asked to play out of position in his contract year with San Francisco, which is something he’ll remember. Sometimes Reid’s motor can get too hot, but it can also elevate his play. Last year’s comeback win against the Eagles was arguably his best game as Panther, and it began with him blowing up on Malcolm Jenkins before kickoff.
The destructive first-round pass rushers
If you’re expecting a high-scoring, shootout kind of atmosphere you’re most likely going to be disappointed. Punts, picks, sacks and fumbles will likely be the main course on Sunday. One reason is the play of two outstanding rookie pass rushers, Brian Burns for the Panthers and Nick Bosa for the 49ers. Together, they have combined for 8.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hits already. Containing Bosa and Burns on the edge should be priority No. 1 for the offensive lines of both teams.
