San Jose Mercury News · Sep 5, 2017
49ers run defense going ‘all gas’ mode
Jimmie Ward (25) and Eric Reid (35) tackle Mike Tolbert of the Carolina Panthers in the 49ers’ 46-27 loss last season in Week 2 at Bank of America Stadium. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)SANTA CLARA — Loss No. 1 of 14 last season previewed how historically terrible the 49ers run defense would be.
Remember when Fozzy Whittaker replaced an injured Jonathan Stewart and ran for 100 yards in that 46-27 loss at Carolina? Remember how that started a NFL-record streak of futility: the 49ers allowed a 100-yard rusher in seven straight games?
Game No. 1 this season should reveal a lot, too, and not just because it comes against the same opponent, the Panthers, on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
