The Panthers visit the undefeated 49ers on Sunday for Carolina's toughest test yet. Here are five things to watch in the Week 8 NFC battle.
The battle in the trenches
Head coach Ron Rivera said it best: "Everything's going to start up front, and that's just the way it is. This is going to be a physical, point of attack game."
That's because this week will pit Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey against one of the league's best defenses. The 49ers' defense ranks second in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (223.5).
A large part of San Fran's defensive dominance stems from the team's defensive line, which includes an impressive five first-round picks. With depth like that, it's easy to see why the defense ranks second in points allowed per game (10.7) and fifth in total sacks (20). Defensive end Dee Ford leads the group with 4.5 sacks, followed closely by rookie defensive end Nick Bosa with four sacks.
The 49ers defense will pose a huge challenge for the Panthers O-line – a unit that's slowly making its way back to 100 percent. If this week's practices were any indicator, veteran right guard Trai Turner should be back in action for the Panthers on Sunday. With Turner returning to his spot at right guard, that frees up the Panthers to mix and match as they see fit along the offensive line, as Daryl Williams and rookie Dennis Daley have each seen time at left tackle.
Can the Panthers sustain drives?
With a defense as suffocating as the 49ers, more often than not opposing offenses get stuffed on first and second down, pinning them behind the sticks and forcing long third downs. As a result, most of the 49ers opponents have had trouble sustaining drives, or even getting them started in the first place. San Francisco has forced three-and-outs on 31.3 percent of drives, ranking 2nd in the league. For comparison, the Panthers defense, which already seems dominant enough, has forced three-and-outs on 22.8 percent of drives (7th).
"It's going to be tough picking up long third downs. That's going to be a challenge. We've got to keep ourselves out of third-and-8, 10-plus," tight end Greg Olsen said. "That's kind of a staple of their defense right now, getting off the field. The last couple teams that have played them have barely cracked 50 plays, lot of that has to do with three-and-outs, not staying on the field maintaining drives."
Olsen is right.
The 49ers D has done an excellent job getting off the field this season, averaging a league low 55.6 defensive plays per game. With that in mind, the Panthers offense knows it will have to not only sustain drives, but capitalize on any scoring opportunities, because they're sure to be few and far between.
"They're playing with a lot of confidence right now. They've got a lot of things rolling and understandably so," Olsen said. "Arguably, at least statistically, the top defense in the league in a lot of categories, so we've got our work cut out for us, but looking forward to the challenge."
Containing Kittle
As overwhelming as the Panthers defense has been, tallying up sacks and interceptions left and right, there are definitely a few weaknesses. For a unit that led the NFL in pass defense just a few weeks ago, things have changed dramatically.
The Panthers D has given up 774 passing yards in its last two outings. One of the unit's most vulnerable areas has been the middle of the field – a location the 49ers offense excels in thanks to Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle.
Kittle has proven to be quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's favorite target through the 49ers first six games, recording team highs in both receptions (34) and receiving yards (376).
"They feature him as a single receiver, he aligns in the core, they move him around frequently on first and second down," defensive coordinator Eric Washington said. "He's a moving target and he has exceptional receiving skills. He'll be a tough matchup for us. We just have to be aware of where he is as it pertains to the part of the game plan where he's featured."
A new threat at wideout for the 49ers
Kittle isn't the only big threat San Francisco's offense possesses. Midway through the Panthers preparation for the 49ers, they added a new element to consider. On Tuesday, the 49ers traded two draft picks to the Broncos in exchange for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
So far this season Sanders has hauled in 30 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns, but Washington said the wideout will be a better match on his new team.
"He really fits with what they like to do," Washington said. "There were some things in Denver that are very similar to what the 49ers are doing relative to the passing game. We'll prepare for their overall scheme and we're also aware of his explosive potential and the kind of player he is when he gets the ball in his hands."
As big of a threat as Sanders may be, Washington said his presence didn't force the defense to adjust its game plan. Instead, it's just a matter of figuring out what role the new receiver will play.
"He's a fantastic player, an explosive receiver, a guy that's been highly productive for a long time," Washington said. "I've looked at him, I'm aware of what he can do, and how I believe he fits into their overall scheme."
Eric Reid faces his former team
If road trips to Arizona and Houston were Kyle Allen's homecoming games, then this weekend's visit to San Francisco can be seen as safety Eric Reid's. Only the feelings aren't as warm and fuzzy as they were for Allen.
"Bitter?" Reid said. "I wouldn't call it bitter. I just don't forget."
After five seasons with the 49ers, the franchise decided not to resign Reid. That decision, combined with the organization's treatment of Reid's close friend and teammate Colin Kaepernick, made for a messy split between the safety and his former team.
"I remember they changed my position in my contract year," Reid said. "I remember they released NaVorro Bowman, who led the league in tackles the year before and asked me to play his position. That'll be on my mind when I get there."
Reid agreed to the position change because he was told it was "what's best for the team," although he said he believed keeping the NFL's leading tackler on the roster would have been better for the team.
"I'll definitely say hey to some guys, but they know what it is when the whistle starts. They know, maybe better than the guys here, what kind of player I am, so I'll be ready, and I know they will be too."
View photos from past games between the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. Carolina holds a 13-9 edge in the all-time series.
Carolina Panthers Mike Tolbert (35) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Christian McCaffrey carries the football during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
Shaq Thompson and Luke Kuechly against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, September 10, 2017.
Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly (59) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
San Francisco Ahmad Brooks (55) pressures Cam Newton (1) during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
San Francisco 49ers Mario Manningham (82) during an N.F.L. game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers Steve Smith (89) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) celebrates after a catch in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sep. 17th, 2016 in Charlotte,NC. The Carolina Panthers won 46-27. (Logan Bowles via AP Images)
Carolina Panthers Devin Funchess (17) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND, DEC. 28-29 - FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2013, photo, Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, left, sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernicl during an NFL football game in San Francisco. New York Jets coach Rex Ryan recently called Kuechly a "tackling machine" and said "if he's not the best middle linebacker in the league then I'm not sure who is." (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly (59) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick (7) during an N.F.L. game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Reggie White (92) looks for a sack during 34 - 18 victory against the San Francisco 49ers Oct. 22, 2000 in an NFL football game in Charlotte. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) runs upfield during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) is pulled in the pocket against the Carolina Panthers Oct. 22, 2000 in Charlotte. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) throws a pass in the first half against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sep. 17th, 2016 in Charlotte,NC. The Carolina Panthers won 46-27. (Logan Bowles via AP Images)
Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game aat Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers Charles Johnson (95) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs against the San Francisco 49ers' NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers Greg Olsen (88) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
San Francisco Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly (59) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell (21) celebrates after cornerback Drayton Florence, bottom, intercepted a pass by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The Panthers won 10-9. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) recovers a fumble and returns for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs as San Francisco 49ers' Nate Clements (22) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers Greg Olsen (88) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Sam Mills (51) looks into the backfield during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, Nov. 5, 1995. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 13-7 and became the first expansion team to win defeat a defending Super Bowl champion in its inaugural season. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Carolina Panthers' Dante Rosario (88) runs as San Francisco 49ers' Demetric Evans (93) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (21) runs against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' David Gettis (12) catches a touchdown pass as San Francisco 49ers' Shawntae Spencer (36) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers' Patrick Willis (52) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
The San Francisco 49ers offensive line goes against the Carolina Panthers defensive line in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) is tackled by 49ers defensive back Ahmed Plummer (29) during a 31 to 29 Carolina Panthers win over the San Francisco 49ers on October 17, 1999 at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers running back Tim Biakabutuka (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87) goes into the endzone for a 12-yard touchdown as San Francisco 49ers' Lee Woodall (54) holds on in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999.(AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) rushes San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers defensive back Doug Evans (33) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Charlie Garner (25). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) looks for head coach Dom Capers to dump Gatorade on him during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 8, 1996, in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 30-24. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) celebrates a touchdown catch during a 30 to 24 Carolina Panthers win over the San Francisco 49ers on December 8, 1996 at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers' Eric Metcalf (82) pulls in a pass over San Francisco 49ers' cornerback R.W. McQuarters in the third quarter Sunday, Oct. 17, 1999, in San Francisco. Carolina defeated San Francisco, 31-29. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Panther head coach George Seifert talks to Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins (12). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers defensive back Pat Terrell (40) lines up to tackle San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens (81). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens (81). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Johnson (23). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. Carolina Panthers linebacker Sam Mills (51) stops San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) and causes fumble. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, November 5, 1995. Panthers beat 49ers 13-7. Carolina Panthers defensive back Pat Terrell (40) makes interception and San Francisco 49ers guard Jessie Sapolu (61) attempts to tackle. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, December 8, 1996. Panthers beat 49ers 30-24. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) passes under pressure. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein throws a pass as San Francisco 49ers Dana Stubblefield leans in during first quarter action at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 22, 1996. The Panthers won 23-7. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, November 5, 1995. Panthers beat 49ers 13-7. Carolina Panthers defensive back Pat Terrell (40) knocks San Francisco 49ers tight end Brent Jones (84) out of bounds. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers Tre Boston (33) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept.18,2016, in Charlotte.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, November 5, 1995. Panthers beat 49ers 13-7. Carolina Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins (12). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers' Trent Dilfer (12) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Kris Jenkins (77) during the second quarter of NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Jon Beason, left, during the third quarter of the Panthers' 31-14 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' DeShaun Foster, top, dives over for a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers' Derek Smith (50) and Patrick Willis (52) defend during the third quarter of the Panthers' 31-14 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Vinny Testaverde (16) throws a pass during the first half of their 31-14 win over the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, right, talks with teammate Vinny Testaverde (16) before an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. Delhomme's injury has left the Panthers (4-7) in disarray. They've since used three quarterbacks, have lost five straight games and are hoping 44-year-old Testaverde will be healthy enough to start Sunday against San Francisco. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) returns an interception for a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers' Arnaz Battle (83) chases during the second quarter in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during an N.F.L. game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,CA. Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice (8) rests during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38-22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers' Dante Rosario, right, catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter as San Francisco 49ers' Michael Lewis (32) defends in NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers running back Tim Biakabutuka (21) is tackle by 4 49er defenders. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Tim Rattay (13) scrambles out of the pocket in the second half against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad, left, celebrates after a touchdown reception in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Shantae Spencer during the second half Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won, 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 17, 1999. Panthers beat 49ers 31-29. Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (91) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad (87) is hugged by quarterback Jake Delhomme, right, after making a touchdown reception against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won, 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
San Francisco 49ers running back Kevan Barlow (32) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Colin Branch (28) and Eddie Jackson (34) in the first half Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, in San Francisco. Carolina won, 37-27. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls scores a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Chris Weinke in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at 3COM Park in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/John Todd)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Mushin Muhammad (87) makes a catch during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000 in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38-22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers' Terrell Owens (81) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers' Rashard Anderson (46) defends in the final seconds of regulation as the 49ers defeated the Panthers 25-22 in overtime Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad breaks away from San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahmed Plummer in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Carolina Panthers' Reggie White (92) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 34-16 win at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2000. The Panthers won 34-16. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke (16) is hit by San Francisco 49ers' Chike Okeafor (91) in the third quarter of the 49ers' 25-22 overtime win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 18, 2001. (AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. Carolina Panthers full back William Floyd (40). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Lester Towns (57) uses his head to cause a fumble during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38-22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers running back Richard Huntley (34) goes for a short gain as San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jamie Winborn (55) attempts to tackle him in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Cam Newton celebrates a touchdown during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) celebrates touchdown. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Brentson Buckner (99) catches up with Carolina Panthers running back Tim Biakabutuka (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Reggie White (92) rushes the quarterback during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000 in San Francisco. The Panthers won the game, 38 to 22. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park Sunday, September 10, 2000. Panthers beat 49ers 38-22. Carolina Panthers defensive back Eric Davis (25) and San Francisco 49ers full back Fred Beasley (40). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Christian McCaffrey carries the football against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, September 10, 2017.
Shaq Thompson during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart scores a touchdown during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
Russell Shepard The Panthers against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, September 10, 2017.
