Christian McCaffrey shines vs former Panthers, leads 49ers to Monday night victory

Tom Brady said the San Francisco 49ers should keep Mac Jones starting at quarterback and gives his thoughts on his former teams the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Christian McCaffrey faced his former Carolina Panthers team for the first time since his trade to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.

The All-Pro running back powered San Francisco to a 20-9 victory on "Monday Night Football," finding the end zone and leading both teams in total yards from scrimmage.

The 49ers (8-4) are now firmly in the NFC playoff picture, while the Panthers (6-6) missed a chance to take sole possession of the NFC South lead.

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Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Claudin Cherelus of the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 24, 2025, in Santa Clara, California. (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

While McCaffrey shined on the primetime stage, it was a rough night for both quarterbacks.

Brock Purdy, who threw three touchdowns in his return the previous week, struggled with turnovers, tossing three interceptions on consecutive possessions in the first half.

San Francisco opened strong with a 15-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped by Purdy’s short pass to Jauan Jennings, who fought through three Panthers defenders to score. But after a quick Panthers three-and-out, Purdy’s first pass on the next series was picked off by Jaycee Horn, giving Carolina the ball at the San Francisco 16-yard line.

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But this night wasn’t just about Purdy’s turnovers — Bryce Young had some issues as well.

On first-and-goal from the 1, Young appeared to have room to run