@ICRMON on Twitter
Finally! The Panthers are back in the playoffs! I am
so pumped! This should be an incredible game to watch, with two of
the best defenses in the NFL going head to head. I'm thinking the
game will be low scoring and come down to the final drive, just like
it did in the 49ers matchup against the Packers last week. But who
will win? Let's take a look at some key factors.
The 49ers boast an incredible defense and rushing
attack, and the resurgence of Colin Kaepernick in the second half of
the season has made them a very formidable foe. If the 49ers want to
win, though, they're going to have to protect Kaepernick better than
they did in the regular season meeting between these two teams, where
they gave up 6 sacks. I believe they will be able to protect him
better this time around due to the presence of Michael Crabtree.
Crabtree is by far Kaepernick's favorite target and unless the
Panthers can completely shut him down, Kaepernick will able to get
rid of the ball quickly.
A major concern I have heading into this matchup is the
flatness of the Carolina offense recently. In the last three
victories, the defense has kept them in the game and the offense has
done just enough to get some points on the board. Cam Newton has
definitely struggled, and will need to be more consistent if they are
going to win this one. However, Cam has definitely had some late
heroics this season (especially against the Saints in Week 16), so if
the defense can get him the ball with a shot at the end of the game,
the Panthers will come away with the win. The health of Steve Smith
will also be a major factor in this game. If he is healthy enough,
he will be able to get one or two big plays downfield and take some
of the focus off the other receivers, such as Greg Olsen.
For Carolina defensively, their front 7 has been
playing phenomenally. The emergence of Greg Hardy has been huge,
recording 4 sacks in their last game against Atlanta. Thomas Davis
and Luke Kuechly have been playing incredibly as well. My concern
with the defense, as always, is the secondary, which is matched up
against a highly talented 49ers receiving corps. If the secondary
can pull their weight and play decent coverage, then the Panthers
front seven will take care of the rest.
Regrettably, I have to say the 49ers will win the game.
The two teams are very evenly matched, but Kaepernick has more
weapons on offense and is going against a weaker secondary. The
Panthers defense will keep the game close, but the 49ers will
ultimately win.
Prediction:
49ers 16
Panthers 13
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