The 49ers didn’t look good for long, but they looked good at exactly the right time.
The 49ers took a 13-10 lead just before halftime of a game the Panthers frankly dominated, with a replay review touchdown to Vernon Davis. Coach Jim Harbaugh drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for running out onto the field to dispute it.
Reviews showed Davis dragged his second foot for the score, which covers up what was otherwise a bad first half for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He’s 11-of-24 passing for 121 yards, and missed several opportunities.
Of course, the Panthers did too, setting for three points out of two trips to the 1-yard line, with a 49ers stand and a field goal.
Cam Newton and Steve Smith have been sharp, and until the final drive, the Panthers defense has held.
But untimely penalties and a general loss of cool has hurt the Panthers, and left the home crowd stunned that they’re actually behind.