McCaffrey gets his yards, 49ers get their victory

It wasn’t a work of art, but the 49ers won, and as we have been told, that is why we play the game: to win. So knock off the criticism. 

What the 49ers did was knock off the Carolina Panthers, 20-9, at Levi’s Stadium, and if the performance wasn’t enough to impress the weekly Monday night viewing public, well, that is the way it is.

The way the 49ers are after 12 games is 8-4, and if not exactly content, then under the circumstances, missing two great defensive players, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, they’re at least satisfied with what has been accomplished.

“Winning in the NFL is very hard,” reminded tight end George Kittle. “Our offense wasn’t as sharp as last week.” 

One reason was that quarterback Brock Purdy, in his second start after missing six games, threw three first-half interceptions. But if Brock was a bit wild—or even more than a bit—Christian McCaffrey was his usual reliable, consistent self, rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown, and catching 7 passes for 53 yards.

A great deal is made about McCaffrey, for the first time facing the Panthers, who traded him to San Francisco in 2022. Understandably. He leads pro football in individual offense, gaining yards on the ground or through the air.

“A great win,” said McCaffrey, perhaps some might consider an overstatement. “We are hungry for more. The team plays together and likes playing together.”

Not exactly a remark out of the Bill Walsh playbook, but McCaffrey prefers to make a statement with his legs and arms as opposed to vocally. McCaffrey likes having the ball. And the 49ers like having him carry the ball. In 11 games, he’s gained 1,439 total yards from scrimmage.

This one began with McCaffrey pounding away for one short gain after another, setting up a 12-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Juan Jennings with 6:17 in the first quarter.

Credit for this victory probably should go as much to head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, as it should to any of the players. Although restricted because of the numerous injuries, the two men came up with successful plans on both offense and defense.

“The offense is striving to score 30 points each game,” said Niners tight-end George Kittle, who is as astute as he is skilled. “We didn’t do that this time, but we did move the ball well.” 

The Niners gained 340 yards and had it not been for four turnovers, Purdy’s three first-half interceptions, and a lost fumble, they might have scored more. True, might is an overly used word in sports, yet it showed the Niners did have their chances. 

San Francisco signed a new place kicker, Matt Gay, who had been on the Washington Commanders, to replace injured Eddy Pineiro. Gay tried two field goals and made them both.

“NFL is a land of opportunity,” said Kittle. “We are getting better each week.”  

They may not have been impressive this week, but they won, and what else really matters?