3 severe threats the Panthers must worry about vs. 49ers in Week 5

Carolina Panthers must limit George Kittle

George Kittle is one of the best tight ends in the game. He has proven production catching the football despite limited numbers in 2022 while being a stellar blocker to further enhance his overall influence.

Kittle is very selfless as he gives as much effort on every play, whatever Kyle Shanahan asks him to do. Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu, and Damien Wilson must be prepared to shed their blocks and get to the running backs as this is a unique scheme that the San Francisco 49ers have perfected over the years.

If Xavier Woods can go he might be the best option at covering Kittle over the middle of the field. That’s exactly where Shanahan will attack knowing Jeremy Chinn is out.

Shanahan is an offensive guru that will put his players in the best position possible to feature their skill sets. That especially goes for Kittle.

Considering how depleted the Carolina Panthers might be with Frankie Luvu also missing practice this week, it’s hard to gauge just how much defensive coordinator Phil Snow will have at his disposal. Something that makes their task even greater as pressure increases after their disappointing 1-3 start.

Kittle hasn’t got much going statistically speaking this season. But the Panthers should ignore the tight end at their peril.