49ers roll to 7-0 early lead

So much for the Panthers getting off to a fast start Sunday.

Carolina got the ball, punted after one first down and then saw the 49ers roll 72 yards in only four plays to take a 7-0 lead with 10:26 still left in the first quarter.

San Francisco fooled Carolina's defense by throwing out of running sets and running out of throwing formations, combining a 20-yard Frank Gore run with Alex Smith throws to Vernon Davis of 53 yards and 1 yard on the final two plays.

Davis, the 49ers' talented tight end, beat Charles Godfrey on the 53-yarder.