Panthers Fall 20-9 to 49ers After Goal-Line Interception

Overview

• On first-and-goal from the 1 in Santa Clara, Bryce Young threw an interception to Ji'Ayir Brown on a play where he also had a run option, and he said he takes full ownership.
• Head coach Dave Canales called the loss a game of missed opportunities, said he liked the play-action call at the goal line, and aimed to build on last week’s big passing output.
• Carolina’s offense sputtered, getting outgained 340-230 with just 12 first downs, a 1-of-7 mark on third down, and only 43 plays to San Francisco’s 70.
• The rushing attack was scarce with 13 attempts total, including Rico Dowdle’s six carries for 38 yards, Chuba Hubbard’s three for 16, and four scrambles by Young for 15.
• Explosive plays were rare, as the Panthers had only one gain over 20 yards—a 29-yard touchdown to Tetairoa McMillan late in the third—while penalties and execution were cited as fixable issues on a short week.