This article will not be about Colin Kaepernick. He is the backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, and we are not going to see much of him unless injury to Blaine Gabbert necessitates it. It doesn’t matter to me at all if he sits, stands, or kneels... because no matter what he does, his view from the bench is going to suck.

Could you imagine the alternate world where the Panthers overthought the 2011 NFL Draft and selected Blaine Gabbert instead of Cam Newton? Can you even fathom the lost wins, money, and overall relevance that such a move would have cost us? Thank god we took a chance on a generational level talent that needed its edges smoothed over, rather than the "safe" pick. As it stands, the 2011 draft can tell you a lot about the NFL in general. Who picked right after us? The Denver Broncos. They selected a guy named Von Miller, perhaps you have heard of him? What two teams just played in the Super Bowl? The Panthers and the Broncos... the two worst teams in 2010.

The 49ers also saw their share of success following the 2011 draft. Lest we forget in the era following the time of Joe Montana and Steve Young, the 49ers were mostly a forgettable team. They missed the playoffs for eight straight seasons leading up to 2011, when Jim Harbaugh took the reigns and rah-rah’d the team to three staight playoff years, an NFC crown, and a super bowl loss. The team regressed sharply in 2014, leading to Jim Harbaugh’s departure, Colin Kaepernick’s downward spiral, and a whole host of injuries and unexpected early retirements. While 2016 is expected to be a rebuilding year for them, they currently sit at 1-0 having shutout the Los Angeles Rams in week 1. It remains to be seen if the 49ers are better than expected, or if the Rams are just that bad.

We’ll learn a lot about both the 49ers and Panthers this Sunday. For now, let’s take a look at the Panther’s hot and cold players entering this week 2 matchup.

Hot Plates

Kelvin Benjamin - Heat Rating: Chili con Kelvin

It was glorious to see Kelvin Benjamin back to his old self again against the Broncos. He proved once again why he is one of the toughest covers in the NFL. It's just so hard to post up against him in the end zone and try to prevent any kind of catch. His BIG is better. This weekend he should feast on a 49ers defense that while it held solid against the Rams, the Rams simply don't have the weapons all over the field the Panthers do. The passing game will be a glorious combination of ingredients that have been simmering together all week, looking to let loose some of the from week 1 in an offensive explosion that is sure to set Chip Kelly's mouth ablaze.

Vernon Butler - Heat Rating: The Butler's Block Brisket Sandwich

Possibly the least talked about 1st round pick in Panthers history has been out in the smoker just holding in the juice, keeping his burnt ends close, and developing that beautiful smoke ring that only expert pitmasters like D-Line coach Eric Washington can achieve. The Broncos came early to the BBQ last week and got the first flavor filled sack of the season, but there is still an entire flat to carve into and enjoy. Vernon's rumored "incredible" first step was fully on display last week, as it took the Denver OL by surprise on a couple of occasions, allowing the rookie into the backfield at inopportune times. Blaine Gabbert will look to steer clear of this bull as he bursts through the line, but he might find an escape difficult with Kony Ealy and Charles Johnson manning the edges.

Trai Turner - Heat Rating: Trai's Leches Souffle

I just wanted to make the pun. Trai Turner is awesome, and may even be our best lineman right now. Yes, even better than Ryan Kalil. His game wants for nothing, and that's why the referees feel like he is taunting everyone. Taunting them with his pure awesome.

Cold Salads

Kony Ealy - Heat Rating: Kony Island Kold Dog

They tell you that you can eat them right out of the package, but has anyone ever just pulled a hot dog out of that weird juice it lays in and just taken a bite? I sincerely hope not, and I hope that Kony decides to get heated up before this next tilt against the 49ers. He failed to record a statistic in Week 1, and his only significant moment in the game was a batted pass at the line. We have come to expect better from him off the edge, let's hope we get it.

Tre Boston - Heat Rating: Cold Cut Tre

I am having flashbacks to the days of Sherrod Martin literally just flinging himself at anything that moves with no real form or objective as I watched Tre Boston attempt to make some tackles on Thursday. To say he hasn't learned to do it right by now is pure bologna, and if he wants to keep his starting job, he'll need to prove more reliable than he was. Wrap Up, Son.

Graham Gano - Heat Rating: Fool's Golden Grahams

Nothing is colder than a kicker that gets iced on a game winning field goal attempt, and I hate to ride the wave of kicker hate, but damn... it just would have been nice if he hits that kick.

Tater’s Gameday Food of the Week

We’ve got a 1pm kickoff time this weekend, and if you’re going to the game, these are a really good make ahead option if you are bringing a grill to roast them at the tailgate. With the direct heat from a grill it is best to put down aluminum foil and let the peppers soften a bit with the lid on, then finish them on the hot grill grates to provide a nice sear on the pepper’s skin.

Roasted Jalapeno Poppers

Everyone loves a little creamy cheese on a nice spicy pepper, and hey, this version is ever so slightly better for you than the deep fried variant. I still wouldn’t base a weight-loss plan around it or anything... but football season is partially about fattening up for the cold winter ahead. Save your arugula salads for late February.

This recipe courtesy of the spicy Rachael Ray and Foodnetwork.com

Ingredients

12 large jalapeno peppers

2 ounces feta cheese

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

4 ounces shredded smoked pepper Jack cheese, or other hot pepper cheese, or extra-sharp Cheddar

A small handful fresh cilantro, finely chopped

2 tablespoons grated onion

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (if not grilling) Cut 1/3 of each pepper off lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place on a baking sheet. If peppers do not sit flat on the baking sheet, slice a thin piece off the bottom of the pepper so it will not roll around. Mash the feta, cream cheese, shredded cheese, cilantro, and onion together and stuff the peppers with the mixture. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is brown at the edges and bubbly. If grilling, roast ontop of tinfoil with the grill lid on until the pepper skin softens, then finish over direct heat to achieve a nice char.

I can’t stress this enough...

MAKE SURE TO THOROUGHLY WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOURSELF, ANYONE, OR ANYTHING ELSE

The Panthers will look to turn up the heat in week 2 after a lackluster performance from the pass rush against Denver, so we are also turning up the heat with our spicy new appetizer. I hope you all enjoy the game, and that it ends with a Panthers win, and as always...

KEEP POUNDING.