Carolina Panthers Week 8 grades at San Francisco 49ers

Carolina Panthers hit road block in undefeated San Francisco, fall 51-13.

The Carolina Panthers (4-3) were coming off a four game win streak and bye week but struggled mightily against an undefeated San Francisco 49ers (7-0) team. From the outset, Carolina appeared over matched as their potent defense was gashed for 232 yards on the ground.

Up front the Panthers still managed to generate some pressure, bringing 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo down three times, but San Francisco took full advantage of their aggressiveness with multiple outside runs and middle screens that routinely went for sizable amounts of yardage.

Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen was repeatedly under pressure and it showed. Even when well protected, Allen struggled to hit receivers and forced the ball into coverage resulting in his first career interceptions and loss as a starter.

Moving forward the Panthers have what appears to be a relatively friendly schedule minus divisional opponent New Orleans and a visit to Green Bay. How Carolina responds next week should set the stage for their second half.