49ers vs. Panthers: Players Who Will Decide Divisional Round Bout

January 12, 2014   ·   Chris Roling   ·   Jump to comments

The Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers will meet for the second time this season in the divisional round of the playoffs to determine which NFC juggernaut will move on to the conference championship game.
Like the Week 10 meeting that saw the Panthers win by a 10-9 margin, this showdown will be a gritty defensive battle where a few key players will dictate the outcome.
When one realizes that the Panthers allowed an average of 15.1 points per game in the regular season—with the 49ers right behind at an average of 17—it becomes apparent that one big play from a star will change the fortunes of two franchises rather quickly.
 
Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
Veteran wideout Steve Smith was a critical piece for the Panthers in 2013 with his 64 receptions for 745 yards and four scores. He was just as important in the aforementioned Week 10 win thanks to his six catches for 63 yards.
Normally, Smith would not make a list such as th...

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