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10 lessons Packers can learn from Panthers-49ers clash

By Kevin Culligan

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers gets his pass off under pressure from Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers gets his pass off under pressure from Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

6. Jimmy Garoppolo is in complete command of Kyle Shanahan’s offense

The 49ers’ running game and defense are both so good that Garoppolo probably hasn’t received enough credit for the team’s success so far. He was in absolute control of the game against the Panthers. He consistently seemed to be one step ahead of the defense, always knowing which receivers would be open before the ball was snapped.

Only three of 38 qualifying quarterbacks have averaged less time than Garoppolo (2.54 seconds) to throw this year, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. It will be near impossible for the pass rush to reach Garoppolo that quickly, so Pettine will need to get awfully creative in order to throw him off his groove.

7. The 49ers’ run game and screen game will stress Packers’ speed and discipline at second level of defense

The 49ers’ run game has been highlighted innumerable times this season in the national media, and rightfully so. Breida and Coleman are explosive backs, and Shanahan masterfully works complexities such as motions, shovel passes, draws, end arounds, and more into his father’s famous zone running scheme.

One key to defending a running game with fast backs and lots of moving parts is to have quick linebackers who can quickly and confidently diagnose plays. Unfortunately, Green Bay has a shortage of those. Even the Panthers, with Luke Kuechly, gave up over 200 rushing yards and five touchdowns. If Green Bay doesn’t jump out to an early lead, they could be doomed to a similar fate.

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