Carolina Panthers vs 49ers Match Player Stats
The carolina panthers vs 49ers match player stats reveal how San Francisco secured a convincing 20-9 victory over Carolina on November 24, 2025. Although both teams experienced turnover problems, the 49ers controlled the game through a powerful rushing attack, better possession management, and more consistent offensive execution. Christian McCaffrey led the ground game, Brock Purdy connected with Jauan Jennings for a touchdown, and Matt Gay converted two field goals to help San Francisco finish the night with 20 points.
Carolina had opportunities to make the contest closer. Bryce Young completed 18 of 29 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown, while rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan provided the Panthers’ only touchdown. However, two interceptions thrown by Young and limited rushing production made it difficult for Carolina to build sustained offensive drives. San Francisco also struggled with turnovers, as Purdy threw three interceptions, but the 49ers compensated with 147 rushing yards and nearly 38 minutes of possession.
This Week 12 Monday Night Football matchup at Levi’s Stadium offered an interesting contrast between two offensive approaches. Carolina generated some effective individual performances but struggled to maintain possession. San Francisco was not particularly efficient through the air, yet its ground game and ability to convert important third and fourth downs helped determine the result.
This detailed breakdown examines quarterback performances, rushing production, receiving statistics, defensive contributions, special teams, scoring sequences, and the individual players who influenced the final outcome.
Match Overview: Carolina Panthers vs San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers entered the November 24 matchup with an 8-4 record, while the Carolina Panthers arrived at 6-6. Playing at home gave San Francisco an opportunity to strengthen its position, and the team delivered a 20-9 victory.
The Panthers started slowly and failed to score in the opening quarter. San Francisco established an early advantage with a touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Jauan Jennings.
Carolina managed a field goal in the second quarter, but the 49ers answered with a 47-yard field goal from Matt Gay. The third quarter featured the most significant scoring activity. McCaffrey scored on the ground for San Francisco before Bryce Young connected with Tetairoa McMillan for Carolina’s only touchdown.
The Panthers could not convert the subsequent two-point opportunity, leaving them eight points behind. San Francisco added another field goal in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
Game Information
| Match Detail | Information |
| Match | Carolina Panthers vs San Francisco 49ers |
| Date | November 24, 2025 |
| Competition | NFL, Week 12 |
| Venue | Levi’s Stadium |
| Location | Santa Clara, California |
| Final Score | 49ers 20, Panthers 9 |
| Panthers Record | 6-6 |
| 49ers Record | 8-4 |
| Carolina Quarterback | Bryce Young |
| San Francisco Quarterback | Brock Purdy |
| Leading Panthers Rusher | Rico Dowdle |
| Leading 49ers Rusher | Christian McCaffrey |
| Leading Panthers Receiver | Rico Dowdle |
| Leading 49ers Receiver | George Kittle |
| Match Status | Final |
Final Score by Quarter
| Quarter | Carolina Panthers | San Francisco 49ers |
| First Quarter | 0 | 7 |
| Second Quarter | 3 | 3 |
| Third Quarter | 6 | 7 |
| Fourth Quarter | 0 | 3 |
| Final Score | 9 | 20 |
The quarter-by-quarter breakdown highlights San Francisco’s ability to maintain its advantage. The 49ers scored in every quarter, while Carolina failed to produce points in the opening and final periods.
The third quarter was especially important because Carolina finally reached the end zone but could not complete the scoring opportunity with an additional conversion.
Carolina Panthers vs 49ers Match Player Stats: Complete Team Comparison
The overall team statistics provide a clearer explanation of why San Francisco won.
Carolina recorded 230 total net yards, compared with 340 for San Francisco. The 49ers also ran considerably more offensive plays, allowing them to control the clock and limit the Panthers’ opportunities.
| Team Statistic | Carolina Panthers | San Francisco 49ers |
| Total Net Yards | 230 | 340 |
| Passing Yards | 161 net | 193 net |
| Rushing Yards | 69 | 147 |
| Rushing Attempts | 13 | 38 |
| Passing Completions | 18 | 23 |
| Passing Attempts | 29 | 32 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 2 | 3 |
| First Downs | 12 | 23 |
| Total Offensive Plays | 43 | 70 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 1/7 | 7/13 |
| Fourth-Down Conversions | 0/0 | 2/2 |
| Time of Possession | 22:18 | 37:42 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 0 |
| Field Goals | 1/2 | 2/2 |
One detail deserves attention: Carolina averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt, while San Francisco averaged 3.9. Looking only at those averages might suggest that the Panthers were more effective on the ground.
However, football games are not decided by average yards per carry alone.
San Francisco attempted 38 rushing plays and gained 147 yards. Carolina managed only 13 attempts and 69 yards. The 49ers repeatedly returned to their running game, keeping the offense on schedule and creating more opportunities to control possession.
The difference in first downs was equally important. San Francisco recorded 23 first downs, almost twice Carolina’s 12.
That advantage helped the 49ers sustain drives and prevent Carolina from getting enough opportunities to recover.
Quarterback Performance: Bryce Young vs Brock Purdy
The quarterback comparison was one of the most interesting parts of this game.
Both quarterbacks threw interceptions, and neither produced an especially efficient passing performance. However, their individual statistics tell slightly different stories.
Bryce Young’s Passing Performance
CAROLINA PANTHERS
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Bryce Young
169
Passing yards
18 completions on 29 attempts
| Passing Statistic | Result |
| Completions | 18 |
| Attempts | 29 |
| Completion Percentage | 62.1% |
| Passing Yards | 169 |
| Yards per Attempt | 5.8 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Passer Rating | 60.8 |
| QBR | 14.2 |
| Rushing Attempts | 4 |
| Rushing Yards | 15 |
Young completed 62.1% of his passes and finished with 169 passing yards. His most important contribution was the 29-yard touchdown connection with Tetairoa McMillan during the third quarter.
That completion gave Carolina a chance to reduce the deficit and made the game more competitive.
However, Young’s two interceptions created problems for the Panthers. Against a team capable of controlling possession, giving away the football makes it much harder to establish offensive momentum.
His 5.8 yards per attempt also indicated that Carolina did not consistently generate substantial gains through the passing game.
Young added 15 rushing yards on four attempts. Those runs provided some additional mobility, but they did not significantly change the offensive balance.
His QBR of 14.2 further reflects how difficult the overall performance was.
Key takeaway: Young showed that he could produce a scoring play against San Francisco, but turnovers and limited passing efficiency prevented him from leading a successful comeback.
Brock Purdy’s Passing Performance
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
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Brock Purdy
193
Passing yards
23 completions on 32 attempts
| Passing Statistic | Result |
| Completions | 23 |
| Attempts | 32 |
| Completion Percentage | 71.9% |
| Passing Yards | 193 |
| Yards per Attempt | 6.0 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Passer Rating | 58.5 |
| QBR | 49.5 |
| Rushing Attempts | 6 |
| Rushing Yards | 16 |
Purdy completed 23 of his 32 passes, giving him a completion percentage of approximately 71.9%.
He finished with 193 passing yards and one touchdown. His scoring pass went to Jauan Jennings for a 12-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
The completion gave San Francisco an early 7-0 advantage.
However, Purdy’s three interceptions were a major concern. Despite completing more passes than Young, he gave Carolina several opportunities to create momentum.
His 58.5 passer rating was slightly lower than Young’s 60.8, although his QBR was considerably higher at 49.5.
This difference illustrates why quarterback evaluation should consider more than completion percentage or passing yardage. The game situation, turnovers, scoring contributions, and overall offensive responsibilities all matter.
Purdy also contributed 16 rushing yards on six attempts.
Key takeaway: Purdy completed a higher percentage of his passes and produced more passing yards, but his three interceptions prevented the performance from being considered clean. San Francisco’s rushing attack helped protect the team from those mistakes.
Bryce Young vs Brock Purdy: Direct Comparison
| Category | Bryce Young | Brock Purdy |
| Completions | 18 | 23 |
| Attempts | 29 | 32 |
| Completion Percentage | 62.1% | 71.9% |
| Passing Yards | 169 | 193 |
| Yards per Attempt | 5.8 | 6.0 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 3 |
| Passer Rating | 60.8 | 58.5 |
| QBR | 14.2 | 49.5 |
| Rushing Yards | 15 | 16 |
Purdy won the comparison in completion percentage and passing yardage. Young threw one fewer interception and recorded a slightly higher passer rating.
Neither quarterback dominated the game through the air.
The more important difference was what happened around them. San Francisco consistently established its rushing attack, while Carolina struggled to maintain a balanced offensive approach.
Rushing Statistics: Christian McCaffrey Leads San Francisco
The rushing battle was arguably the biggest reason behind the final result.
San Francisco produced 147 rushing yards on 38 attempts, while Carolina finished with 69 yards on 13 attempts.
The 78-yard difference in rushing production helped the 49ers maintain possession and keep their offense moving.
Christian McCaffrey’s Complete Performance
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Christian McCaffrey
89
Rushing yards
24 carries and one touchdown
| Rushing Statistic | Result |
| Carries | 24 |
| Rushing Yards | 89 |
| Average | 3.7 |
| Longest Run | 17 yards |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Receptions | 7 |
| Receiving Yards | 53 |
| Total Touchdowns | 1 |
McCaffrey was the most important rushing contributor for San Francisco.
He carried the ball 24 times for 89 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt. Although that average was not especially high, his consistent involvement helped the 49ers control the pace.
His biggest scoring contribution came in the third quarter when he ran 12 yards into the end zone.
That touchdown extended San Francisco’s advantage to 17-3.
McCaffrey also contributed seven receptions for 53 yards. His ability to operate as both a runner and receiver gave Purdy an additional option when the passing game became difficult.
Combining his rushing and receiving production:
- 89 rushing yards.
- 53 receiving yards.
- 142 total yards from scrimmage.
- 31 combined touches.
- One rushing touchdown.
This combination made him the most productive offensive player in the matchup.
Brian Robinson Jr.’s Contribution
Brian Robinson Jr.
40
Rushing yards on seven carries
| Statistic | Result |
| Carries | 7 |
| Rushing Yards | 40 |
| Average | 5.7 |
| Longest Run | 12 yards |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Receptions | 1 |
| Receiving Yards | 4 |
Robinson added valuable support behind McCaffrey.
His seven carries produced 40 yards, giving him an impressive 5.7 yards per attempt.
This was important because San Francisco did not need McCaffrey to handle every rushing opportunity. Robinson provided another option and helped maintain the team’s ground-game production.
His contribution also demonstrated the value of having multiple running backs capable of producing positive gains.
Carolina Panthers Rushing Performance
Carolina’s ground game was less involved throughout the contest.
Rico Dowdle led the Panthers with 38 rushing yards, while Chuba Hubbard added 16 yards.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
| Rico Dowdle | 6 | 38 | 6.3 | 0 |
| Chuba Hubbard | 3 | 16 | 5.3 | 0 |
| Bryce Young | 4 | 15 | 3.8 | 0 |
| Team Total | 13 | 69 | 5.3 | 0 |
Dowdle was particularly efficient. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and recorded a 17-yard longest run.
However, six rushing attempts were not enough to establish a consistent ground attack.
Hubbard’s three carries produced 16 yards, while Young added 15 yards on designed or improvised rushing opportunities.
The Panthers averaged more yards per carry than San Francisco, but their limited number of attempts restricted their overall production.
Rushing Comparison
| Category | Carolina | San Francisco |
| Total Attempts | 13 | 38 |
| Total Yards | 69 | 147 |
| Average per Carry | 5.3 | 3.9 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Longest Individual Run | 17 yards | 17 yards |
| Leading Rusher | Rico Dowdle | Christian McCaffrey |
The key lesson is that rushing efficiency and rushing volume are two different measurements.
Carolina was more productive on a per-carry basis, but San Francisco used its running game much more frequently and gained substantially more total yardage.
Receiving Statistics: George Kittle Leads the 49ers
The receiving battle featured several productive players, including George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Rico Dowdle, and Tetairoa McMillan.
San Francisco finished with 193 receiving yards, while Carolina recorded 169.
The difference was not enormous, but the 49ers received more consistent production from their passing options.
George Kittle’s Receiving Performance
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George Kittle
78
Receiving yards
Six receptions
| Receiving Statistic | Result |
| Receptions | 6 |
| Receiving Yards | 78 |
| Average per Reception | 13.0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 25 yards |
Kittle was San Francisco’s leading receiver.
He caught six passes for 78 yards, averaging 13 yards per reception.
His contribution helped the 49ers move the ball through the passing game even when Purdy was dealing with pressure and interception problems.
Kittle’s ability to gain meaningful yardage after receptions also made him a valuable option in the middle of the field.
Although he did not score a touchdown, his receiving production helped keep the offense productive.
Christian McCaffrey as a Receiving Option
McCaffrey’s receiving statistics were almost as impressive as his rushing production.
| Receiving Statistic | Result |
| Receptions | 7 |
| Targets | 7 |
| Receiving Yards | 53 |
| Average | 7.6 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
McCaffrey caught seven passes for 53 yards.
His involvement in the passing game created additional challenges for Carolina’s defense. Defenders had to account for him as a runner and receiver, making it difficult to concentrate entirely on stopping the ground attack.
His combined 142 yards from scrimmage demonstrated why he was such an important part of San Francisco’s offensive strategy.
Jauan Jennings’ Touchdown Contribution
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Jauan Jennings
41
Receiving yards
| Statistic | Result |
| Receptions | 5 |
| Targets | 7 |
| Receiving Yards | 41 |
| Average | 8.2 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Longest Reception | 12 yards |
Jennings delivered San Francisco’s opening touchdown.
His five receptions generated 41 yards, and his 12-yard touchdown reception gave the 49ers an early lead.
The timing of this score was important. San Francisco established control before Carolina could settle into the game.
Jennings did not produce the highest receiving yardage, but his touchdown made his contribution especially valuable.
Carolina Panthers Receiving Performance
Carolina had several players contribute to the passing attack, but Tetairoa McMillan provided the most important scoring play.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
| Rico Dowdle | 4 | 36 | 9.0 | 0 |
| Tetairoa McMillan | 2 | 35 | 17.5 | 1 |
| Jalen Coker | 3 | 32 | 10.7 | 0 |
| Chuba Hubbard | 4 | 27 | 6.8 | 0 |
| Xavier Legette | 3 | 22 | 7.3 | 0 |
| Jimmy Horn Jr. | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 |
| Mitchell Evans | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| Team Total | 18 | 169 | 9.4 | 1 |
Tetairoa McMillan was the standout Panthers receiver in terms of scoring impact.
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Tetairoa McMillan
35
Receiving yards and one touchdown
McMillan caught two passes for 35 yards and averaged 17.5 yards per reception.
His 29-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was Carolina’s most significant offensive moment.
The score reduced the deficit to 17-9, giving the Panthers a chance to make the game more competitive.
Rico Dowdle also played an important role as a receiving option. He caught four passes for 36 yards, making him Carolina’s leading receiver by total yardage.
Jalen Coker added 32 yards on three receptions, while Hubbard caught four passes for 27 yards.
The Panthers had multiple players involved in the passing game, but they could not turn that production into enough scoring opportunities.
Receiving Comparison
| Category | Carolina | San Francisco |
| Receptions | 18 | 23 |
| Receiving Yards | 169 | 193 |
| Average per Reception | 9.4 | 8.4 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Leading Receiver | Rico Dowdle | George Kittle |
| Leading Receiver Yards | 36 | 78 |
San Francisco had more receptions and total receiving yards.
Carolina actually recorded a higher average per reception, but the 49ers spread their passing production across more completed passes.
This distinction shows why total receiving production, individual efficiency, and scoring impact should be evaluated separately.
Defensive Player Statistics and Interceptions
Defense played a significant role in the matchup.
Both teams intercepted opposing quarterbacks multiple times, demonstrating that neither passing offense had complete control of the football.
Carolina recorded three interceptions, while San Francisco finished with two.
Despite having the interception advantage, Carolina could not convert enough defensive opportunities into points.
Carolina Panthers Defensive Performance
| Defensive Statistic | Result |
| Total Tackles | 90 |
| Solo Tackles | 32 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3 |
| Passes Defended | 4 |
| Quarterback Hits | 1 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
The Panthers’ secondary provided some of the defense’s most important contributions.
Jaycee Horn recorded two interceptions and returned them for a combined 36 yards.
Mike Jackson added another interception without a return.
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Jaycee Horn
2
Interceptions
36 interception return yards
Horn’s two interceptions were significant because they disrupted San Francisco’s passing rhythm.
However, Carolina’s defense could not consistently stop the rushing attack. The 49ers continued to move the ball through McCaffrey and Robinson, limiting the impact of those turnovers.
The absence of a recorded sack was another notable detail.
The Panthers registered only one quarterback hit, meaning they did not generate consistent pressure through the pass rush.
San Francisco 49ers Defensive Performance
| Defensive Statistic | Result |
| Total Tackles | 44 |
| Solo Tackles | 29 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Tackles for Loss | 2 |
| Passes Defended | 4 |
| Quarterback Hits | 3 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
San Francisco’s defense also produced important turnovers.
Ji’Ayir Brown recorded two interceptions and returned them for a combined four yards.
Carolina Panthers v San Francisco 49ers
Ji’Ayir Brown
2
Interceptions
Brown’s interceptions helped prevent Carolina from building consistent passing momentum.
San Francisco also recorded one sack and three quarterback hits.
While these numbers were not overwhelming, the defense made important plays at critical moments.
The 49ers’ defensive success was also connected to their offense. By controlling possession for 37:42, San Francisco limited the time Carolina had to develop its passing game.
Defensive Comparison
| Category | Carolina | San Francisco |
| Interceptions | 3 | 2 |
| Sacks | 0 | 1 |
| Quarterback Hits | 1 | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3 | 2 |
| Passes Defended | 4 | 4 |
| Solo Tackles | 32 | 29 |
Carolina won the interception comparison, but San Francisco produced the more favorable overall game result.
The most important difference was the ability to limit offensive production after creating turnovers.
An interception is valuable, but it becomes much more meaningful when the offense converts the resulting possession into points.
Special Teams Statistics: Kickers, Punters, and Returns
Special teams also contributed to the final score.
San Francisco’s Matt Gay converted both field-goal attempts and both extra-point attempts. Carolina’s Ryan Fitzgerald made one field goal but missed another.
The difference in kicking efficiency gave San Francisco additional points.
Kicking Comparison
| Kicker | Team | Field Goals | Accuracy | Longest FG | Points |
| Matt Gay | San Francisco | 2/2 | 100% | 47 yards | 8 |
| Ryan Fitzgerald | Carolina | 1/2 | 50% | 25 yards | 3 |
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Matt Gay
San Francisco 49ers
2 successful field goals and 2 extra points
Gay was perfect on his field-goal attempts.
His 47-yard kick in the second quarter helped San Francisco extend its advantage to 10-3.
He later added a 29-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 20-9.
Fitzgerald converted a 25-yard field goal for Carolina but missed his other attempt.
Punting Statistics
| Punter | Team | Punts | Total Yards | Average | Longest |
| Sam Martin | Carolina | 4 | 201 | 50.3 | 55 yards |
| Thomas Morstead | San Francisco | 1 | 40 | 40.0 | 40 yards |
Sam Martin had considerably more punting work.
He recorded four punts for 201 yards, averaging 50.3 yards per attempt.
Thomas Morstead punted only once for 40 yards.
The difference in punting volume reflects the broader game pattern. San Francisco sustained longer offensive possessions and did not need to punt frequently.
Kick Return Statistics
| Team | Returner | Returns | Yards | Average | Longest |
| Carolina | Trevor Etienne | 3 | 74 | 24.7 | 26 yards |
| San Francisco | Skyy Moore | 3 | 80 | 26.7 | 43 yards |
Skyy Moore recorded 80 kickoff return yards on three attempts, averaging 26.7 yards.
Trevor Etienne contributed 74 yards on three returns for Carolina.
Both teams had opportunities to improve field position through kick returns.
San Francisco held a small advantage in total return yardage.
Punt Returns
| Team | Returner | Returns | Yards |
| Carolina | Trevor Etienne | 1 | 6 |
| San Francisco | None recorded | 0 | 0 |
Etienne recorded Carolina’s only punt return, gaining six yards.
San Francisco did not record a punt return during the game.
Game-Changing Moments That Decided the Result
Individual statistics explain player performance, but important moments help show how the final score developed.
There were four major scoring sequences that shaped the contest.
1. Jauan Jennings Gives San Francisco an Early Lead
The 49ers opened the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown reception by Jauan Jennings.
Brock Purdy delivered the pass, and Matt Gay converted the extra point.
The touchdown gave San Francisco a 7-0 advantage.
Starting with an early lead allowed the 49ers to approach the remainder of the game without needing to chase the score.
Carolina, meanwhile, had to find a way to respond.
2. Matt Gay Extends the Advantage
Carolina finally scored in the second quarter through a 25-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald.
However, San Francisco answered with a 47-yard field goal from Matt Gay.
The score became 10-3.
This exchange was important because Carolina had an opportunity to reduce the deficit further, but San Francisco maintained its seven-point advantage.
3. McCaffrey and McMillan Produce Third-Quarter Touchdowns
The third quarter delivered the most significant scoring action.
Christian McCaffrey scored on a 12-yard rushing attempt, extending San Francisco’s lead to 17-3.
Carolina responded with a 29-yard touchdown reception by Tetairoa McMillan.
Young’s pass gave the Panthers six points, but the two-point conversion attempt failed.
The score moved to 17-9.
At this stage, Carolina was still within reach of a comeback, but the missed conversion meant the Panthers remained eight points behind.
4. Matt Gay Secures the 20-9 Result
San Francisco added another field goal in the fourth quarter.
Gay converted from 29 yards, giving the 49ers a 20-9 lead.
Carolina failed to score in the final quarter.
San Francisco therefore completed the contest with an 11-point victory.
Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Scoring Player | Team | Scoring Play | Score |
| Q1 | Jauan Jennings | 49ers | 12-yard receiving TD | 7-0 |
| Q2 | Ryan Fitzgerald | Panthers | 25-yard field goal | 7-3 |
| Q2 | Matt Gay | 49ers | 47-yard field goal | 10-3 |
| Q3 | Christian McCaffrey | 49ers | 12-yard rushing TD | 17-3 |
| Q3 | Tetairoa McMillan | Panthers | 29-yard receiving TD | 17-9 |
| Q4 | Matt Gay | 49ers | 29-yard field goal | 20-9 |
Why Did the San Francisco 49ers Win?
The final score was 20-9, but the difference between the two teams becomes clearer when the complete statistical picture is considered.
San Francisco did not win because its quarterback had a perfect game. Purdy threw three interceptions, and the passing offense experienced several difficulties.
Instead, the 49ers succeeded because they controlled the areas of the game that mattered most.
1. San Francisco Controlled the Ground Game
The 49ers produced 147 rushing yards compared with Carolina’s 69.
McCaffrey’s 89 rushing yards and Robinson’s 40 yards provided a strong foundation.
The 49ers also attempted 38 rushes, almost three times Carolina’s 13 attempts.
This gave San Francisco more opportunities to control the clock and maintain offensive rhythm.
2. The 49ers Dominated Time of Possession
San Francisco controlled the football for 37 minutes and 42 seconds.
Carolina had possession for only 22 minutes and 18 seconds.
That difference of more than 15 minutes is significant.
When a team controls possession for that long, it limits the opposing offense’s opportunities to score.
The Panthers had fewer chances to establish their passing attack or create sustained drives.
3. San Francisco Converted More Third Downs
Third-down efficiency was another important difference.
- San Francisco: 7 conversions from 13 attempts.
- Carolina: 1 conversion from 7 attempts.
The 49ers converted approximately 53.8% of their third downs.
Carolina converted only 14.3%.
This made it difficult for the Panthers to extend drives.
Even when Carolina gained positive yardage on early downs, it often failed to produce the additional yards needed to keep possession.
4. The 49ers Finished Their Kicking Opportunities
Matt Gay converted both field goals.
Fitzgerald made only one of his two attempts.
Gay’s reliability helped San Francisco maintain a scoring advantage without requiring another offensive touchdown.
5. San Francisco Produced More First Downs
The 49ers recorded 23 first downs, compared with Carolina’s 12.
This reflected their ability to sustain drives and move the football consistently.
The first-down advantage was closely connected to their success on third and fourth downs.
6. Carolina Could Not Establish Offensive Balance
Carolina averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt, which was actually better than San Francisco’s 3.9.
However, the Panthers attempted only 13 rushes.
That limited volume placed greater responsibility on Bryce Young and the passing game.
With two interceptions and relatively modest passing yardage, Carolina struggled to create enough scoring opportunities.
Why Carolina’s Three Interceptions Were Not Enough
One of the most interesting aspects of this contest was the interception comparison.
Carolina recorded three interceptions, one more than San Francisco.
Normally, winning the turnover battle creates a strong opportunity to win a football game.
However, the Panthers did not capitalize sufficiently on those defensive plays.
There are several reasons why interceptions do not automatically translate into victories.
First, field position matters. An interception does not guarantee that the offense starts in an ideal scoring position.
Second, offensive execution matters. Teams must convert turnovers into first downs, touchdowns, or field goals.
Third, possession control remains important. Even after creating turnovers, a defense must continue stopping the opposing offense.
Carolina’s defense produced three interceptions, but San Francisco continued to generate rushing yards and maintain possession.
This was an important difference between creating defensive opportunities and controlling the overall game.
Individual Players Who Made the Biggest Impact
Several players stood out for their contributions.
The following rankings consider total production, scoring importance, and influence on the result rather than simply comparing individual yardage.
| Player | Team | Main Contribution | Impact |
| Christian McCaffrey | 49ers | 142 total yards and one TD | Excellent |
| George Kittle | 49ers | 78 receiving yards | Strong |
| Brock Purdy | 49ers | 193 passing yards and one TD | Mixed |
| Jauan Jennings | 49ers | 41 receiving yards and one TD | Strong |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | 49ers | 40 rushing yards | Valuable |
| Jaycee Horn | Panthers | Two interceptions | Excellent defensive contribution |
| Rico Dowdle | Panthers | 38 rushing and 36 receiving yards | Strong |
| Tetairoa McMillan | Panthers | 35 receiving yards and one TD | Important |
| Bryce Young | Panthers | 169 passing yards and one TD | Mixed |
| Mike Jackson | Panthers | One interception | Valuable |
Most Valuable Offensive Player: Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey was the clear choice because he contributed in both rushing and receiving.
His 142 total yards from scrimmage represented a major part of San Francisco’s offensive production.
He also scored the rushing touchdown that extended the lead to 17-3.
Best Receiving Performance: George Kittle
Kittle led all receivers with 78 yards.
His six catches provided Purdy with a reliable passing option and helped San Francisco sustain offensive drives.
Best Defensive Performance: Jaycee Horn
Horn’s two interceptions were important defensive contributions.
Although Carolina did not win, his performance showed the Panthers’ ability to create problems for Purdy.
Most Important Carolina Scoring Contribution: Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan caught the Panthers’ only touchdown.
His 29-yard reception demonstrated his ability to produce an important downfield play.
What the Match Statistics Reveal About Both Teams
Beyond the final score, this game offered several useful lessons about the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.
San Francisco’s Offensive Identity
The 49ers demonstrated the value of a balanced offensive approach.
Their passing game produced 193 yards, while their rushing attack added 147.
McCaffrey’s ability to contribute in both areas made the offense more difficult to defend.
Robinson’s contribution also helped maintain rushing production.
The team did not need Purdy to produce an outstanding passing performance because the running game provided another reliable route to moving the ball.
Carolina’s Offensive Challenges
The Panthers showed flashes of offensive ability.
Dowdle averaged 6.3 yards per rushing attempt, McMillan averaged 17.5 yards per reception, and Young completed more than 60% of his passes.
However, those individual numbers did not translate into consistent team production.
The main issues were:
- Too few rushing attempts.
- Two interceptions from Young.
- Only 12 first downs.
- One successful third-down conversion.
- Just 22:18 of possession.
- Only nine total points.
Carolina needed more consistency across all three offensive phases.
The Importance of Complementary Football
This matchup also demonstrated the importance of complementary football.
A team does not need to dominate every statistical category to win.
San Francisco threw three interceptions and averaged fewer rushing yards per attempt than Carolina.
Yet the 49ers still won comfortably because their offense controlled possession, their defense created turnovers, and their kicker converted important scoring opportunities.
The combined effect of those contributions was more important than any single statistic.
Historical and Statistical Context of the Matchup
The November 24 contest was a Week 12 regular-season game played at Levi’s Stadium.
The Panthers entered at 6-6, while San Francisco stood at 8-4.
The result moved San Francisco to 9-4 and Carolina to 6-7.
The matchup was particularly interesting because the teams entered with different competitive situations.
Carolina was attempting to maintain its position in the NFC South race, while San Francisco was looking to strengthen its position in the NFC playoff picture.
The 49ers’ victory was supported by a clear statistical advantage in total yardage, first downs, and time of possession.
The game also showed how individual performances can influence the outcome without necessarily producing a high-scoring contest.
McCaffrey’s 142 yards from scrimmage were a major offensive contribution, while Horn’s two interceptions gave Carolina opportunities to remain competitive.
However, San Francisco’s ability to sustain drives ultimately made the difference.
For readers interested in the official statistical record, the ESPN box score for the November 24, 2025 game provides the player-by-player numbers.
Lessons for Evaluating NFL Player Statistics
When reviewing an NFL box score, it is easy to focus on the biggest numbers.
However, a deeper evaluation requires understanding how different statistics connect.
Here are several useful ways to interpret performances from this matchup.
1. Passing Yards Do Not Tell the Entire Story
Purdy finished with 193 passing yards, while Young recorded 169.
That difference alone does not explain the quarterback comparison.
Interceptions, completion percentage, touchdowns, and game situation also matter.
Purdy threw more interceptions, while Young recorded a slightly higher passer rating.
Both performances need to be considered in context.
2. Rushing Attempts Reveal Offensive Commitment
The difference between 38 and 13 rushing attempts is important.
It demonstrates how differently the two teams approached offensive possession.
San Francisco repeatedly used its running backs, while Carolina relied more heavily on its passing game.
3. Receiving Yards Should Be Combined With Scoring Production
George Kittle led San Francisco in receiving yards, but Jennings scored the team’s first touchdown.
McMillan recorded fewer yards than Dowdle but produced Carolina’s only receiving touchdown.
A useful player evaluation should consider both yardage and scoring contribution.
4. Defensive Turnovers Must Be Evaluated Alongside Offensive Results
Carolina recorded three interceptions, yet the Panthers scored only nine points.
This shows why turnover statistics should not be analyzed independently.
The offense must take advantage of the opportunities created by the defense.
5. Time of Possession Helps Explain Game Control
San Francisco’s 37:42 possession advantage was one of the clearest indicators of its control.
The 49ers gave their defense more opportunities to rest and limited Carolina’s offensive opportunities.
For a complete game evaluation, possession time should be considered alongside first downs and third-down efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Carolina Panthers vs 49ers game on November 24, 2025?
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-9 at Levi’s Stadium on November 24, 2025. San Francisco controlled the game through its rushing attack, possession advantage, and successful field-goal attempts.
2. How many passing yards did Bryce Young record against the 49ers?
Bryce Young completed 18 of 29 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown. He also threw two interceptions and finished with a 60.8 passer rating.
3. How many rushing yards did Christian McCaffrey have?
Christian McCaffrey recorded 89 rushing yards on 24 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt. He also caught seven passes for 53 receiving yards and scored one rushing touchdown.
4. Who was the leading receiver in the Panthers vs 49ers game?
George Kittle was the leading receiver with six receptions for 78 yards. Carolina’s leading receiver by yardage was Rico Dowdle, who recorded four catches for 36 yards.
5. How many interceptions were recorded during the game?
Carolina recorded three interceptions, including two by Jaycee Horn and one by Mike Jackson. San Francisco recorded two interceptions, both by Ji’Ayir Brown.
6. What was the biggest statistical difference between the Panthers and 49ers?
The biggest differences were rushing production and time of possession. San Francisco gained 147 rushing yards compared with Carolina’s 69 and controlled the football for 37:42 compared with Carolina’s 22:18.
Conclusion
The November 24, 2025 matchup between Carolina and San Francisco demonstrated why overall team execution matters more than individual statistics alone.
The carolina panthers vs 49ers match player stats show that San Francisco secured its 20-9 victory through a combination of rushing production, possession control, defensive interceptions, and reliable kicking.
Christian McCaffrey delivered the most complete offensive performance with 89 rushing yards, 53 receiving yards, and one touchdown. George Kittle led the 49ers in receiving, while Jauan Jennings provided an early scoring contribution. Matt Gay converted both field-goal attempts and helped San Francisco maintain its advantage.
Carolina also had several positive individual performances. Rico Dowdle contributed through both rushing and receiving, Tetairoa McMillan scored the team’s only touchdown, and Jaycee Horn recorded two interceptions.
However, the Panthers struggled to sustain offensive drives. Their limited rushing volume, two interceptions from Bryce Young, and poor third-down conversion rate prevented them from taking advantage of their defensive opportunities.
Ultimately, San Francisco’s 147 rushing yards, 23 first downs, and 37:42 of possession explained why the 49ers controlled the contest despite throwing three interceptions of their own.
The final result was not simply a product of better quarterback statistics. It was the result of a more effective overall team performance.
