The Carolina Panthers faced a significant challenge on October 16, 2023, falling to the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 20-9. This defeat ended their hopes of moving into first place in the NFC South, a position they could have claimed after already securing more wins this season than in 2024. Despite the opportunity, the Panthers struggled to maintain consistency, especially on defense.
The 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, dominated the game, holding a significant advantage in both time of possession and total yardage. While Panthers quarterback Dave Canales saw his team make some strides, they could not overcome the 49ers’ control of the game. San Francisco’s quarterback, Brock Purdy, threw three interceptions in the first half but managed to lead his team effectively, allowing them to rack up 340 total yards compared to Carolina’s 230.
One of the most notable statistics was the time of possession, where the 49ers held the ball for a staggering 37:42. This allowed them to run 70 offensive plays while the Panthers managed only 43. The former Panthers star, Christian McCaffrey, was instrumental in this offensive strategy, handling the ball 31 times and gaining 142 yards, including one touchdown.
Defensive Concerns for the Panthers
For Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, the performance of the defense raises concerns. The 49ers’ rushing attack, which averaged only 94.8 yards per game before this matchup, was able to accumulate 147 yards on 38 carries. Last season, the Panthers had the worst run defense in the league, allowing an average of 179.8 yards per game. While they have improved this season, reducing that number to 115.9 yards per game over 12 games, their inconsistency remains troubling.
In fact, Evero’s unit has allowed an average of 150.0 rushing yards per game in losses, compared to just 81.8 yards in their six victories. While the improvement from last season is evident, the Panthers must find a way to stabilize their defense if they hope to contend for a playoff spot.
As the Panthers look to regroup after this disappointing performance, analysts are evaluating their potential for future drafts and offseason moves. The team is predicted to consider elite prospects, including a star player from Ohio State in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, as they aim to bolster their roster and address weaknesses.
With a promising start to the season, the Panthers now face critical challenges ahead. The loss to the 49ers serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, consistency on both sides of the ball will be key to achieving their playoff aspirations.
