49ers Grind Out MNF Win as McCaffrey Punishes Panthers in Turnover-Filled Battle
November 26, 2025
The 49ers beat the Panthers 20–9 in a game dominated by turnovers and the heavy regular-season implications that come with a Monday Night Football matchup. For the 49ers, this win brings them to 8-4, reinforcing their playoff positioning. For Carolina, the loss drops them to 6-6, a disappointing outcome after a recent high of confidence, and a missed opportunity to press for NFC South control.
Christian McCaffrey was the star of the night. He piled up 142 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown, his first ever against Carolina since the trade. Despite a rough start from quarterback Brock Purdy, including three first-half interceptions (making him the first QB this season to do that), the 49ers tightened up their game in the second half, leaned on McCaffrey and short passes, and controlled tempo to close it out. On defense and special teams, San Francisco made the plays that mattered, capitalizing on turnovers, limiting Carolina’s scoring chances, and putting pressure at key moments.
Quarterback Bryce Young was underwhelming, 169 passing yards, only one touchdown, and two interceptions, and struggled to show the same spark he had just a week earlier. The Panthers’ offense failed to take full advantage of opportunities. A key example: after a turnover by Purdy gave Carolina first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, they failed to punch it in, Young instead forcing a pass into tight coverage that was picked off.
Injuries and instability also played a role, key defenders exited with concussions or other injuries, and multiple offensive mistakes, from blocking to penalties, undermined momentum.
For San Francisco, this game showed resilience. Even with a turnover-heavy first half, they tightened up and leaned on what works. McCaffrey’s production, both ground and air, reminds the league that he’s still among the most dangerous dual-threat backs in the NFL. With this win, their playoff positioning remains strong and confidence high.
For Carolina, the Panthers’ “build” faces a rough stretch. Their defense showed fight, but offense, particularly execution at crucial moments, remains a big question mark. With a record now even at 6-6, there’s still time to bounce back, but next games become must-wins if they want to stay competitive in the NFC South and wild-card chase. Coach Dave Canales was pointed after the game about missed opportunities and basic execution needing to improve.
It wasn’t a pretty night for the Panthers, and it offered the 49ers a chance to show their resilience, grit, and depth. For McCaffrey and San Francisco, it was a reaffirmation; for Carolina, a reminder of how far they still have to go.
Chris, Guest Author
The Goal Line Grind 