The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on November 24, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium, achieving their second consecutive win for the first time in two months. Running back Christian McCaffrey was instrumental in the victory, amassing 89 yards rushing, including a 12-yard touchdown, and 53 yards receiving on seven catches. Tight end George Kittle contributed significantly as well, with 78 yards on six receptions. Quarterback Brock Purdy connected with receiver Jauan Jennings for a touchdown on the team’s opening drive, setting a positive tone for the game.
Despite the promising start, Purdy faced challenges in the first half, throwing interceptions on three consecutive drives after the initial touchdown. He ultimately completed 23 of 32 passes for 193 yards. On the other side of the field, Bryce Young struggled similarly, throwing two interceptions to 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown, finishing the game with 169 yards, one touchdown, and the two picks.
Coaches and Players Reflect on the Game
Following the match, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed Purdy’s performance, stating, “He had three throws you’d love to take back. All three were good decisions, just a hair late on them.” Shanahan praised Brown’s contributions, noting, “He was awesome…those two picks were huge.”
When asked about Purdy’s mindset after the interceptions, Shanahan expressed confidence in his quarterback’s decision-making. “They were all really good decisions, just missed the throw on them,” he explained. Shanahan also commented on McCaffrey’s performance against his former team. “I’ve never felt anything from Christian about being the most fired up. It was probably a little special for him.”
Purdy himself addressed his interceptions, indicating that he was comfortable with his decisions but needed to improve his execution. “Honestly, the decisions of going to those spots, I was fine with, it was just the execution of throwing a better ball,” he said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence despite the setbacks.
Defense Shines Amid Challenges
The 49ers’ defense played a crucial role in the victory, showcasing resilience even as the offense struggled. Shanahan highlighted this aspect, stating, “The whole D did an awesome job, especially overcoming those three turnovers.” Brown, who secured two interceptions, reflected on his performance, saying, “I always pride myself on being a ballhawk…just keep taking it game by game.”
The young defensive unit, which has been developing cohesion throughout the season, demonstrated their growth on the field. Brown noted that the group is “hungry, passionate, and wants to be great,” contributing to an overall strong performance against the Panthers.
As the 49ers prepare for upcoming challenges, the team remains focused on improving week by week. With their latest victory, the players and coaching staff hope to build on this momentum, aiming for continued success in the season ahead. The 49ers’ next game will be an opportunity to further solidify their standing as they strive to maintain their winning streak.