Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers — NFL Game Recap (November 25, 2025)

McCaffrey Shines in Emotional Reunion Game

Christian McCaffrey insisted that facing the Carolina Panthers — the team that traded him three years ago — wouldn’t add any extra emotion to his performance. Once the game began, however, he delivered another electric outing that carried the San Francisco 49ers to a 20–9 victory in Santa Clara.

McCaffrey totaled 142 yards from scrimmage and scored a crucial third-quarter touchdown, once again proving why he has become one of San Francisco’s most transformative offensive weapons since arriving in 2022. He noted afterward that while it was good to see familiar faces before and after the game, "it’s really just business once the ball was snapped."

49ers Overcome Purdy’s Rough Night

San Francisco’s win did not come easy. Quarterback Brock Purdy, still settling back in after a toe injury, threw three interceptions in the first half, becoming the first NFL player this season to do so. Purdy said the issue wasn’t his toe or rust, but rather ball placement, explaining that he needed to “drive the ball more” instead of floating throws.

With Purdy struggling, the 49ers shifted their offensive strategy—leaning heavily on McCaffrey and shorter, controlled passes. The adjustment paid off, allowing them to maintain their lead and preserve playoff positioning at 8–4.

Carolina Misses Key Opportunities

The Panthers entered the matchup at .500 and with momentum after Bryce Young’s record-setting 448-yard game the previous week. But against San Francisco, Young and the offense couldn’t capitalize on early takeaways.

Carolina’s defense produced three interceptions—two of them by Jaycee Horn—yet those turnovers resulted in only three points. Young finished with 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He later took responsibility for the missed opportunities, saying, “Not what we wanted… I take ownership of that.”

Carolina’s lone touchdown came on a 29-yard strike from Young to Tetairoa McMillan in the third quarter. However, a penalty pushed their two-point attempt to the 1-yard line, and the Panthers failed to convert. Moments later, Young threw another interception with his team still within striking distance.

The Panthers fell to 6–6, missing the chance to move into sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

Tensions Flare Late

The frustration of the night boiled over in the closing minutes. After a run play, Carolina safety Tre'Von Moehrig struck 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin. Postgame, Jennings retaliated with a punch to Moehrig’s helmet, calling his reaction a response to “childish behavior.”

Key Injuries

Both teams saw several players exit the game:

Panthers:

Jaycee Horn (concussion) — left in the first half
Claudin Cherelus (concussion) — left in the first half
Chandler Zavala (calf) — second half
Corey Thornton (ankle) — second half

49ers:

Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) — second half

Looking Ahead

The Panthers return home next week to host the Los Angeles Rams as they try to regain rhythm in a tight NFC South race. The 49ers, meanwhile, head to Cleveland to face a tough Browns defense, hoping to build on a performance where their defense and ground game carried the load.

Conclusion

The 49ers’ win over Carolina proved once again how critical Christian McCaffrey is to San Francisco’s identity. Even on a night when their passing game faltered, his consistency and explosiveness provided the stability the team needed. For the Panthers, the loss serves as a reminder that talent alone can’t replace execution — especially in games where opportunities come at a premium.

Both teams leave this matchup with lessons in resilience: the 49ers reaffirming their ability to win ugly when necessary, and the Panthers learning how narrow the margins can be in their push for NFC South contention. As the season narrows toward its final stretch, each franchise now faces a defining moment — one driven by discipline, identity, and the will to respond.

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