The 49ers ought to be OK this year as long as they shut opponents out.
But when the other team scores, they could struggle.
The Panthers just opened the second half with a nice touchdown drive, going 69 yards in eight plays, with Kelvin Benjamin making a juggling catch on his back and then catching a touchdown pass for a 24-10 lead.
The 49ers aren’t built to play catch-up, with a lack of reliable receiving targets and Blaine Gabbert at quarterback. So a two-touchdown lead could hold up for the Panthers, who have other concerns.
Running back Jonathan Stewart is out for the rest of the game with a hamstring injury, and guard Trai Turner was helped off the field, with trainers looking at his right foot and ankle on the sidelines.