Effectively, that occurred.
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 8-4 with an unpleasant 20-9 win over the not-ready-for-primetime Carolina Panthers (6-6) to cap Week 12.
This is our speedy response to a Monday night time snoozefest.
Key takeaway: Brock Purdy is formally on alert
The Niners might have received, however Purdy’s play leaves them with little to have fun. The fourth-year quarterback had an terrible first half in simply his fourth begin of the season and completed 23-of-32 for 193 yards, one landing and three interceptions, with every of his turnovers coming through the first half-hour. He settled in through the second half as head coach Kyle Shanahan correctly acquired the ball in his playmakers’ palms shortly with quick cross ideas, however San Francisco’s offense will likely be severely restricted going ahead if Purdy is unable to push the ball downfield.
Per Pro Football Focus data, 4 of Purdy’s seven interceptions this yr have come on deep cross makes an attempt (outlined as makes an attempt that journey not less than 20 air yards). He battled a toe harm earlier this season, forcing him to overlook eight video games. Whereas which may clarify a few of his struggles, if he cannot get on monitor, Shanahan could possibly be pressured to show as soon as once more to backup Mac Jones. He was stable in aid of Purdy throughout his absence, finishing 69.6 p.c of his cross makes an attempt, a career-best mark, for two,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. San Francisco went 5-3, averaging 22.8 factors per recreation.
Sport MVP: San Francisco 49ers security Ji’Ayir Brown
Operating again Christian McCaffrey, taking part in in his first recreation towards his former group, was the undoubted offensive MVP, featured on 9 of San Francisco’s 15 performs — together with the primary 5 — throughout an opening-drive landing and ending with 142 complete yards and one landing.
However Brown had arguably a good greater affect, ending two potential Panthers scoring drives with interceptions. He first picked off quarterback Bryce Younger in the long run zone on a 1st-and-goal from the 1-yard line, halting a possession that started contained in the Niners’ purple zone following a Purdy interception.
