Christian McCaffrey delivered an outstanding performance as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on November 13, 2023. In his first matchup against his former team since being traded in 2022, McCaffrey proved instrumental in securing the victory, helping the 49ers solidify their position in the playoff race.
The 49ers started strong with a 15-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Brock Purdy capped the drive with a short pass to Jauan Jennings, who fought through multiple defenders to score. However, Purdy’s night was marred by turnovers, as he threw three interceptions in the first half alone.
After a quick three-and-out from the Panthers, Purdy’s first pass on the ensuing drive was intercepted by Jaycee Horn, giving Carolina favorable field position at the 49ers’ 16-yard line. Despite the setback, Purdy continued to struggle, throwing another interception to Mike Jackson later in the half. The 49ers managed to maintain a narrow lead, entering halftime with a 10-3 advantage.
McCaffrey’s first touchdown came in the third quarter, where he capped a lengthy 80-yard drive with a 12-yard run, showcasing his ability to navigate through defenders with key blocks from teammates George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. With this score, McCaffrey recorded a total of 89 rushing yards and seven receptions for 53 yards.
Despite the 49ers’ lead extending to 17-3, the Panthers were not out of contention. Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan caught a 29-yard pass from quarterback Bryce Young, narrowing the score to 17-9 after a failed two-point conversion. The Panthers still had opportunities to close the gap, but a critical interception by Ji’Ayir Brown thwarted their efforts, effectively sealing the game for San Francisco.
The 49ers added a field goal late in the fourth quarter, further distancing themselves from the Panthers. In a last-ditch effort to score, the Panthers’ kicker, Ryan Fitzgerald, missed a 57-yard field goal attempt, concluding their chances of rallying back.
Overall, Kittle led all players with 78 receiving yards on six catches, while Jennings contributed 41 yards on five receptions. The Panthers’ ground game struggled, with Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard, and Young combining for only 69 rushing yards.
With this victory, the 49ers remain firmly in the playoff picture, while the Panthers missed a golden opportunity to take sole possession of the NFC South lead. As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their offensive inconsistencies to enhance their postseason hopes.
