The 49ers on Sunday jumped out to a 14-3 first quarter lead and never looked back. They finished with a 51-13 rout of a Carolina Panthers team that entered the game winners of four in a row and coming of their bye.
Here are seven takeaways from the 49ers’ seventh consecutive victory:
The 49ers are legit
There’s not a question anymore. This Panthers team had a ton of tools to at least hang with the 49ers, yet this one was over early. San Francisco jumped ahead of Carolina and proceeded to take away all the things that allowed the Panthers to be successful in four consecutive games. They made Christian McCaffrey look like a normal running back, and made Kyle Allen look like a first time starter. They also got everything they wanted offensively against a good defense. The only real test left for this team is in January.
Nick Bosa might be the Defensive Player of the Year
Forget the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation. That’s over. It’s Nick Bosa’s to lose. The Defensive Player of the Year Award is on the table now after his three-sack, one interception game against the Panthers. He’s been a dominant force off the edge for arguably the best defense in football. If Bosa doesn’t take home the DPOY award in his rookie season, he’ll at least be in the conversation.
Emmanuel Sanders produces right away
There was some speculation about how effective Sanders would be with the 49ers. He was productive right away with four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown on five targets. The only incompletion his direction was a bad overthrow by Garoppolo on a deep ball with Sanders wide open. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence the 49ers posted more points than they have in 26 seasons, but Sanders was undoubtedly an improvement at receiver for San Francisco.
Welcome back, Deebo
Samuel missed Week 7 with a groin injury, but got plenty of action upon returning Sunday against the Panthers. He caught two balls for 11 yards, including a tough catch in traffic and another on a screen where he made a couple nice moves to generate extra yards. Samuel found the end zone for his first-career rushing touchdown on a 20-yard scamper in the third quarter. He’s a playmaker when the 49ers put the ball in his hands.
National Tight End Day
So how did the 49ers’ tight ends fare on the day dedicated to them? Ross Dwelley did a nice job as a blocker, while George Kittle posted six catches for 86 yards. He also had a touchdown that was called back for offensive pass interference.
Tevin Colem4n
Coleman scored four times Sunday, including three rushing touchdowns and a receiving score. He became the first player in 49ers history to post three rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in the same game. He’s been a steal for San Francisco after they signed him late in free agency. Overall he finished Sunday with 11 rushes, 105 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He also caught two balls for 13 yards and a score.
Jimmy G gets it done
Garoppolo made an early mistake against Carolina’s stingy pass defense, but he put it behind him for a productive day. The 49ers’ signal caller completed 18 of 22 throws for 175 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. In a game where he 49ers get ahead early, Garoppolo’s job is to move the sticks on third downs and hold onto the football. He extended a couple plays, found receivers in the intermediate and deep passing games, and didn’t turn it over after a bad interception on the second series. Efficient days like this against good pass defenses will get the 49ers a win more often than not.
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