By: Joe Lami

AP file photo: Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton(1) makes a mad dash for it against the Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94)  during the second half of Thursday Night Football on Sept 8th

After Monday night’s 28-0 shutout of the LA Rams, the 49ers’ will be flying to the East Coast on a high note. The defending NFC Champion, Carolina Panthers, will be their opponent. Carolina lost their opening week contest to the Broncos and will want some revenge for their home opener.

Cam Newton, of course, will be the player to look out for on the Panters. Although, he may still be battered up and bruised from what Denver’s front seven was able to do to him. Newton will be a great test for the 49ers’ defense, who played phenomenally against the Case Keenum and the Rams.

“We’re playing this week against league MVP, defending NFC champions. You know, they were in the Super Bowl last year for a reason. They’re a very good offense. So, it’ll be a big test for us defensively,” said Jim O’Neil, San Francisco’s defensive coordinator.

The secondary was batting down balls left and right against Keenum, but Newton will be a much tougher assignment with better receivers as well. The 49ers defense definitely will have it’s hands full against the Panthers looking for their first win.

On the offensive side of the ball, it will be no surprise that the run game will once again be leaned on. Carlos Hyde, who finished last week with 88 yards and two touchdowns is expected to be the workhorse once again. Carolina will also need to do a better job of spying Blaine Gabbert, who rushed for 43 yards and really opened up the read-option for Chip Kelly.

The surprise of last week was Jeremy Kerley, who came to San Francisco during a pre-season trade. While still learning the system, Kearley was a target early and often, catching seven of the eleven thrown his way for 61 yards. With his breakout performance, it’s going to be evident that Carolina will work on shutting him down. Another 49ers’ receiver will have to make up for it, and it could be a good chance for Torrey Smith to breakout for the first time this season.

While the 49ers’ record reads 1-0, Sunday’s matchup will show us all where the really are by going up against the top-class in the NFC.