By Chalien Dantes 

The San Francisco 49ers finally found some momentum, scoring back-to-back wins for the first time since September by beating the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on Monday.

Running back Christian McCaffrey made a statement against his former team, rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown while adding 53 receiving yards on seven catches. McCaffrey, 29, was traded from Carolina to San Francisco in October 2022, and his performance showed why the move paid off.

Quarterback Brock Purdy had a shaky start, throwing three interceptions in the first half, which slowed the 49ers’ early offensive push. Carolina’s Bryce Young, fresh off a record-setting 448-yard game last week, finished 18 for 29 for 169 yards with one touchdown but also threw two costly interceptions.

Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn exited in the second quarter after a head injury, following two interceptions of his own. The loss drops Carolina to second in the NFC South, just behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Next up, the 49ers host the Cleveland Browns, while Carolina faces NFC West leaders Los Angeles Rams.