NFL: Panthers Gear Up For 49ers

Nothing can cure the need for a win like a visit to San Francisco. If that phrase is true, then it's obvious how much things have changed in the NFL in just a matter of two or three years.

The Carolina Panthers head to the Golden Gate City Sunday searching for their first win of the season. The search should be over by the evening.

San Francisco is not the 49er team of old. Last year's nine-game losing streak and 4-12 record proved as much. This season, things could even get worse for the once-proud Niners.

But as they say, "That's why you play the game."

Carolina isn't good enough to claim a gimmie against any NFL team. There are still certain things they will have to do well to win.

Number one is find a way to get the offense in sync. Make no mistake, the Cats will have to score some points to beat the Niners. Last week in Washington, they failed to score an offensive touchdown until the final two minutes of the game. They shouldn't have that problem Sunday.

Tshimanga Biakabutuka needs to have a big day for the offense to move efficiently. When Timmy B. is running well, he strecthes the defense from sideline to sideline. That should not only open holes for him in the middle, but allow quarterback Steve Beuerlein some extra time in the pocket. If he is granted as much, expect him and the Panthers to light up the scoreboard.

The Niners need to pay close attention to Donald Hayes. Sure, Muhsin Muhammad is the Pro-Bowler. But if Carolina is looking for a big play, they're going to throw to Hayes. He is a tall, aggressive receiver who can go up and get the ball. He is also quite limber in the open field.

It is crucial the Panthers score plenty, because the game could turn into a shootout.

49er quarterback Jeff Garcia has been hot dating back to his team's visit to Ericsson Stadium last November. Garcia still has some potent weapons in Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice and J.J. Stokes. Charlie Garner in the backfield is one to keep and eye on as well.

Added to the list of targets last week was fullback Fred Beasley. The short and burly back blistered Atlanta for three touchdowns.

To stop, or at least quell, the San Fran attack, Carolina has to get production out of its expensive defensive front. Reggie White, Chuck Smith, Sean Gilbert and Eric Swann need to spend ample time in the 49er backfield. If they give Garcia enough time to throw the ball, he will pick them apart just as Brad Johnson did last week.

What it boils down to, is a pair of high-scoring offenses and two lackluster defenses. And as they say, defense wins football games.

While that isn't exactly true any longer, what is true is that all things being equal, the better defense wins ball games. That being the case, the Panthers get the nod.

Expect lots of points and plenty of highlights, just don't expect too many of those highlights to come from the defense.

Panthers by 12.