Panthers Fall 20–9 as Offense Collapses and Fight Breaks Out Against 49ers

By
Charlotte Stories
-
40

The Carolina Panthers stayed competitive on Monday Night Football but couldn’t overcome an unbalanced offense and missed opportunities in a 20–9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The defeat drops Carolina to 6–6, still only a half-game behind Tampa Bay entering Week 13.

A week after Bryce Young threw a franchise-record 448 yards, the Panthers managed just 230 total yards. Young went 18-of-29 for 169 yards, tossing a touchdown to Tetairoa McMillan but also two interceptions.

Carolina ran the ball only nine times, never finding the balance needed to challenge San Francisco’s injury-depleted but sharp defense.

San Francisco controlled the tempo with long, grinding drives and heavy reliance on Christian McCaffrey, who topped 125 scrimmage yards and became just the third running back in NFL history with 50 games of at least 50 receiving yards. The 49ers converted more than half of their third downs while keeping possessions alive for extended stretches.

Carolina’s defense gave the offense every chance, intercepting Brock Purdy three times in the first half. But the Panthers turned those takeaways into only three points, including one drive ending in a costly Young interception in the end zone.

Despite missing stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, San Francisco held Carolina to 1-for-7 on third down, disrupting any attempt at a comeback.

To top off a truly disappointing night and set up an agonizing flight home, a fight erupted when San Francisco’s Jauan Jennings swung on Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig — appearing to retaliate for a groin punch Moehrig delivered moments earlier.

The Panthers now look ahead to Week 13 against the LA Rams, needing to quickly correct their offensive imbalance if they hope to stay in the playoff race.