"The NFL schedule makers, in their infinite, algorithmic wisdom, have given us a Monday night curiosity. The 49ers, I get big brand, big names, big ratings for ESPN. But the Carolina Panthers? I'm not even sure if noted superfan Steph Curry has watched a full Panthers game this season. And was this supposed to be a breakthrough campaign for them? So the NFL's most forgettable team will be on arguably the sport's biggest stage."
"The Panthers are not a good football team. They aren't even a bad football team because bad teams at least have the decency to have an identity. No, the Panthers are something far worse: aggressively mediocre. They're the unsalted cracker of the NFL. The waiting room music of the league. I could go on. But it's that pile of nothingness that would make Nietzsche shudder that makes Monday's game the most dangerous night of the year for Kyle Shanahan."
"Don't pretend like that can't happen to San Francisco. The Packers thought they were above losing to the Panthers. They were 11.5-point favorites at home, after all. But then they had two turnovers, missed a field goal, and failed to contain the run, and suddenly, despite outgaining Carolina by more than 100 yards and with Bryce Young only throwing for 102 yards, the Packers lost at home. The Panthers accept this kind of gift, weekly, with the polite nod of a doorman c"
An unexpected Monday Night matchup pairs the high-profile San Francisco 49ers with the forgettable Carolina Panthers. The 49ers provide big-brand appeal and ratings, while the Panthers lack a clear identity and display aggressive mediocrity. The Panthers can still win games, having six victories this season, but they cannot outplay a fully performing 49ers in a true head-to-head contest. The game becomes a litmus test for San Francisco to exploit Carolina's deficiencies. The Panthers' victories often stem from opponent errors like turnovers, missed kicks, and poor run defense rather than superior play.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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