Christian McCaffrey got revenge against the Carolina Panthers, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 20-9 win against his former team.
The NFC battle was a sloppy game on both sides, but McCaffrey was a steady force all night.
San Francisco’s defense was stout. They allowed just nine points and 12 first downs.
Monday’s victory keeps the 49ers (8-4) within striking distance of the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams (9-2) and Seattle Seahawks (8-3), who are second in the division.
The Panthers (6-6) are a half game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) in the NFC South.
Here are the winners and losers from the Monday night contest:
WINNERS
Christian McCaffrey shines against former team
San Francisco’s first five plays went to McCaffrey. The opening series was a preview of what was to come. The 49ers’ offensive gameplan centered around McCaffrey.
The do-it-all running back was a busy man against his former team, gaining 89 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown and 53 yards receiving. He had 31 total touches and 142 yards from scrimmage.
McCaffrey leads the NFL with 1,581 yards from scrimmage.
Safety Ji’Ayir Brown, 49ers defense
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh had plenty to cheer about as San Francisco bottled up Carolina’s offense.
The 49ers defense held the Panthers to 1-7 on third downs and 230 yards of total offense.
Ji’Ayir Brown tallied two interceptions.
The 49ers defense is without its two best players in Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, who are both out for the season.
Warner and Bosa are irreplaceable for the 49ers, but San Francisco’s playing good team defense without their two stars.
Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson
The Panthers picked off Brock Purdy three times in the first half.
Horn made a great play on the football when he stepped in front of Jauan Jennings on a dig route and intercepted Purdy’s pass.
Horn returned the interception 14 yards to San Francisco’s 16-yard line.
Unfortunately for Carolina, Bryce Young was picked off four plays later.
Jackson intercepted a deep pass from Purdy in the end zone early in the second quarter.
The interception party wasn’t done.
Horn intercepted Purdy again in the middle of the field midway through the second quarter.
The Panthers offense couldn’t turn the three turnovers into many points. Carolina was only able to muster up three points off three first half turnovers.
Horn had more success catching footballs than any Panthers offensive player. No Panthers pass catcher had more than one catch in the first half.
The night ended early for Horn. Carolina ruled him out of the second half due to a concussion.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The result of Monday’s game restored sole possession of first place in the NFC South to the Buccaneers (6-5), despite Tampa Bay being on a three-game losing streak.
LOSERS
Carolina’s complementary football (offense)
The Panthers defense picked off Brock Purdy three times in the first half.
However, Bryce Young and the Panthers offense was listless after the change of possession. Young was intercepted four plays after Carolina’s defense got its first takeaway.
The Panthers offense only managed three points off three first half takeaways by their defense.
Young and the Panthers didn’t have a drive of more than 26 yards in the first half. They had just 72 total yards at halftime.
Bad performance for Bryce Young, Panthers offense
Young recorded a Panthers franchise record 448 passing yards last week. He followed up that performance with a dud.
The Panthers quarterback tossed two interceptions in what was an offensive struggle. He passed for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Young threw a bad interception in the red zone during the first quarter. Young’s interception came four plays after Jaycee Horn recorded an interception for Carolina.
Young had just six completions for 28 passing yards at halftime.
The Panthers went 0-2 in the red zone and only converted one first down. No pass catcher had more than 36 yards receiving.
Brock Purdy’s rough first half
Both offenses were terrible in the first half.
San Francisco’s troubles were attributed to Purdy’s three interceptions in the first half. He was off the mark on all three interceptions. The 49ers quarterback struggled with accuracy through two quarters.
Christian McCaffrey was the safety valve for the 49ers offense for most of the game.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
