49ers defeat Panthers in ‘MNF’ snoozefest

Well, that happened.

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 8-4 with an ugly 20-9 win over the not-ready-for-primetime Carolina Panthers (6-6) to cap Week 12.

Here’s our rapid reaction to a Monday night snoozefest.

Key takeaway: Brock Purdy is officially on alert

The Niners may have won, but Purdy’s play leaves them with little to celebrate. The fourth-year quarterback had an awful first half in just his fourth start of the season and finished 23-of-32 for 193 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, with each of his turnovers coming during the first 30 minutes. He settled in during the second half as head coach Kyle Shanahan wisely got the ball in his playmakers’ hands quickly with short pass concepts, but San Francisco’s offense will be severely limited going forward if Purdy is unable to push the ball downfield. 

Per Pro Football Focus data, four of Purdy’s seven interceptions this year have come on deep pass attempts (defined as attempts that travel at least 20 air yards). He battled a toe injury earlier this season, forcing him to miss eight games. While that might explain some of his struggles, if he can’t get on track, Shanahan could be forced to turn once again to backup Mac Jones. He was solid in relief of Purdy during his absence, completing 69.6 percent of his pass attempts, a career-best mark, for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. San Francisco went 5-3, averaging 22.8 points per game.

Game MVP: San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown

Running back Christian McCaffrey, playing in his first game against his former team, was the undoubted offensive MVP, featured on nine of San Francisco’s 15 plays — including the first five — during an opening-drive touchdown and finishing with 142 total yards and one touchdown.

But Brown had arguably an even bigger impact, ending two potential Panthers scoring drives with interceptions. He first picked off quarterback Bryce Young in the end zone on a 1st-and-goal from the 1-yard line, halting a possession that began inside the Niners’ red zone following a Purdy interception.