1. Home streak continues: With the 46-27 win over the 49ers, Carolina has now won 14 consecutive games at home, extending the longest active streak in the NFL.
"I think that's pretty special. These games in the NFL are not easy to win," tight end Greg Olsen said. "To win like that in front of our crowd and have such a homefield advantage that we've been able to develop – it's nice. We'll try to make it 15 next week. We've just got to keep it rolling."
The Panthers offense got rolling at Bank of America Stadium, something the home crowd has gotten used to seeing.
Last season, Carolina averaged 30.7 points per game at home (including the two postseason games).
"We've got a motto – defend your dirt – and that's what we did today," linebacker Shaq Thompson said.
2. Run defense bounces back: There were questions asked about Carolina's run defense after the Broncos racked up 148 yards on the ground in Week 1, and the Panthers responded with a much better effort in Week 2.
The 49ers rushed 26 times for 65 yards, good for a 2.5 yards per carry average. Lead back Carlos Hyde finished with just 34 yards.
Carolina also made plays in the backfield, compiling five tackles for loss.
"The biggest thing last week was tackling," Thompson said. "We did a pretty good job today, everybody doing their job in being one-of-eleven, controlling their gaps and playing sound defense."
3. O-line shores up protection: Quarterback Cam Newton was not sacked Sunday, a statistic every offensive line strives for.
But it was a particularly noteworthy achievement considering all the well-documented punishment Newton took a week ago at Denver.
"The protection as a whole was extremely solid, and that happens with great tempo," Newton said.
Head coach Ron Rivera was pleased with the protection but also noted Carolina's concerted effort to limit Newton's rushing attempts after such a physically demanding season opener.
"We didn't run him like we did (in Denver)," Rivera said. "This game we were able to run the ball by handing it off. Last week, we needed Cam to open some things up.
"This was a really good example of being able to keep him out of the running game."
4. Bradberry gets confidence boost:That first career interception is a special moment for any young defensive back, and rookie cornerback James Bradberry was able to get one under his belt.
Bradberry picked off Blaine Gabbert's third-down pass for wide receiver Torrey Smith in the fourth quarter.
"I knew our front seven was going to get a good rush so I could play aggressive on whatever they ran. It was all curls, and I sat at the sticks. The ball just fell right in my lap," said Bradberry, who also notched two pass breakups.
His teammates erupted in celebration on the sideline after Bradberry returned the interception 16 yards.
"They were more excited about my interception than I probably was," Bradberry said with a laugh. "As soon as I looked up there were folks all around me.
"Especially after I gave up that first touchdown (against Smith) I was a little down on myself. Coming back and making that play for my team is a huge confidence boost."
5. New look for D-line rotation: The Panthers made a somewhat surprising decision to make veteran defensive tackle Paul Soliai inactive for Sunday's game.
But that decision meant defensive end Lavar Edwards, who was claimed off waivers prior to the season opener, was active for the first time. He spent most of the afternoon lined up inside.
"I wasn't perfect, but I felt I did some good things," Edwards said. "I just have to getter better every week. Whatever they ask me to do I'm going to do.
"I've been getting more comfortable with playing inside. It's almost to the point where it's second nature to me."
View game action photos from Carolina's 46-27 win over San Francisco.
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) looks to pass under pressure from San Francisco 49ers' Ahmad Brooks (55) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Shaq Thompson (54) runs toward the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a San Francisco 49ers fumble in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
San Francisco 49ers' Shaun Draughn (24) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Tre Boston (33) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) looks to pass over San Francisco 49ers' Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers' Chris Davis, center, and Ray-Ray Armstrong, right, try to recover a fumble by Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker, left, in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The 49ers recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers' Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
San Francisco 49ers' Rod Streater (81) celebrates after making a first down against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen (88) runs past San Francisco 49ers' Antoine Bethea (41) for a touchdown after a catch in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen (88) celebrates his touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers' Tramaine Brock (26) watches in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers' Blaine Gabbert (2) tries to avoid the rush of Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) runs for a gain past San Francisco 49ers' NaVorro Bowman (53) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) celebrates after making a first down against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin, back, catches a pass as San Francisco 49ers' Jimmie Ward, front, defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a touchdown pass as San Francisco 49ers' Jimmie Ward (25) and Antoine Bethea (41) defend in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
San Francisco 49ers' Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin (13) runs into the end zone past San Francisco 49ers' Jaquiski Tartt (29) for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) fumbles the football as San Francisco 49ers' Eli Harold (58) watches in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The 49ers recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn (19) fumbles the kickoff by the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The 49ers recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
San Francisco 49ers' Shaun Draughn, left, recovers a Carolina Panthers fumble as Carolina Panthers' Jeremy Cash (57) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
San Francisco 49ers' Blaine Gabbert (2) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
San Francisco 49ers' Vance McDonald (89) runs past Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass as San Francisco 49ers' Chris Davis (43) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Panthers won 46-27. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin (13) reacts to making a catch against San Francisco 49ers' Eric Reid (35) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker (43) runs past San Francisco 49ers' Eric Reid (35) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers' Vance McDonald (89) misses a catch as Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Panthers won 46-27. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers' Jeremy Kerley (17) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Devin Funchess (17) catches a touchdown pass as San Francisco 49ers' Antoine Bethea (41) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
San Francisco 49ers' Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass under pressure from Carolina Panthers' Mario Addison (97) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Panthers won 46-27. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) celebrates after an NFL football game San Francisco 49ers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. The Panthers won 46-27. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
