49ers Identify Surprise X Factor for Week 12 Showdown as Injuries Shake Up Defense.
The San Francisco 49ers enter their Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers knowing that the margin for error has narrowed. Injuries have stretched the roster, the playoff race is tightening and Monday night at Levi’s Stadium will demand a complete performance. In a week filled with adjustments and lineup shuffling, one defensive player has emerged as the most important X factor.
San Francisco’s linebacker room has been hit harder than any unit on the roster. Fred Warner is sidelined. Tatum Bethune is unavailable. Their absence places enormous responsibility on second year linebacker Dee Winters, whose role has transformed from rotational defender into the core of the 49ers’ defensive structure. Coaches have praised his speed and instincts, and this week they need both at full capacity.
Carolina arrives with a clear offensive identity. Rico Dowdle has powered a resurgent run game, giving the Panthers their most reliable source of production. When Carolina controls the ground attack, they set tempo and rhythm. If that happens on Monday night, San Francisco risks being worn down in long, grinding drives. That is why Winters becomes the focal point. His job is to close interior running lanes, force second and third level help and funnel traffic toward San Francisco’s downhill pursuit.
The matchup leans heavily on discipline and tackling. The 49ers trust Winters to diagnose plays quickly, attack gaps with precision and limit explosive runs that could shift control. Coaches believe his growth this season has prepared him for this moment. His communication has sharpened. His reads have become faster. His presence in the middle of the field gives the defense enough stability to avoid major structural changes.
San Francisco’s offense may still headline the team, but this week the defensive tone begins with Winters. When he plays fast and physical, the rest of the unit settles around him. If he sets that early edge, the 49ers can dictate terms and push Carolina away from their comfort zone. If not, the Panthers have the tools to turn this into a draining, possession heavy contest.
The 49ers understand that winning in November means adapting through adversity. Dee Winters is now at the center of that challenge. His performance could determine whether San Francisco protects its home field or allows Carolina to seize momentum that has eluded them most of the season.
Robert Irwin, Witney Carson & Derek Hough Are the Trio DWTS Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
There is a lot of excitement ahead of the “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 finale on Tuesday, November 25. Fan favorites Robert Irwin and Witney Carson are going to give it their all in the hopes of winning a Mirrorball Trophy, as they perform a Freestyle routine, an Instant Dance, and the Judges’ Choice dance.
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson’s Finale Performances
For the Judges’ Choice routine, judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli will advise the competitors as they take on a new dance. For Irwin and Carson, that person was Hough, and from the photos shared on the official “Dancing with the Stars” Instagram account, the trio looked like they had a lot of fun working together.
The post features two playful photos of Irwin, Carson, and Hough. The last slide is a video of Irwin and Carson. In the clip, Irwin tells the camera, “Guys, it is the finale. It is the Judges’ Choice dance for the first one, and our judge is Derek.” Hough then enters the camera frame and informs fans that he has chosen the Quickstep for them to perform, and reveals what he expects from it.
Fans reacted to the post in the comments, including a comment from professional dancer Emma Slater. “I would love to see this trio personally!” she wrote.
Other reactions include, “Yessssss! Let’s go Team IrWINit! ” “This feels so full circle since Derek won with Bindi 10 years ago,” “Robert please win for Australia! Let’s make history as the first set of siblings to win the Mirrorball!” and “They be looking like siblings perfect match up.”
DWTS Season 34 Finale
In addition to Irwin and Carson, the remaining couples are Alix Earle and professional dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron and professional dance partner Daniella Karagach, Elaine Hendrix and professional dance partner Alan Bersten, and Jordan Chiles and professional dance partner Ezra Sosa.
The finale will be three hours long and feature exciting performances. It is a big night for the final five couples. It’s also a great night for fans of the show, as all the competitors from this season return to the ballroom. Season 33 champs “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson will perform to “Tanguera” by Fabio Hager Sexteto.
These last few days have been emotional for fans, competitors, and the professional dancers, and Carson and Irwin’s final messages to each other have been so emotional and beautiful. They are undeniably a super team!
