Folks, it’s gameday around these parts, and not only that, it’s the first proper gameday in a long, long time. The San Francisco 49ers will be taking on the Carolina Panthers in a game that is both exciting and terrifying at the same time.
The 49ers are a huge question mark and I have no idea whether my prediction of “no more than 6 wins” is likely or if I was overestimating them. Then again, the Panthers are at their most vulnerable right now, and if there’s a time to play the team coming off that kind of 2016 season, Week 1 the following year is where to do it.
They’ll be looking for something to prove, but again, they are vulnerable, and I’m excited to see if the 49ers can find a way to do some damage and maybe earn a win for Kyle Shanahan in his first proper game as head coach.
No more words. Except for the coming few. Let’s get on with your links. Go Niners.
Focus will be on return of 49ers’ Bowman, Panthers’ Kuechly (Branch)
49ers Week 1 Preview: 5 things to know when Panthers come to town (Biderman)
Reuben Foster wants to be considered among NFL’s elite linebackers (Biderman)
49ers’ Bowman on Luke Kuechly: ‘You tell me who the best linebacker is’ (Branch)
Have 49ers plugged leaky run defense? Panthers provide early test (Barrows)
San Diegan John Lynch back in game as 49ers GM (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Five areas to watch in 49ers-Panthers opener (Inman)
Three 49ers players on the hot seat this season (Inman)
Why 49ers’ young cornerbacks could be facing a big problem against Panthers (Barrows)
49ers hope for Brian Hoyer to get off to another fast start against Panthers (ESPN)