Biggest takeaways from the Panthers' Week 12 loss to 49ers

The Carolina Panthers had a chance to make a statement on a national stage here in Week 12.

Monday night played host to the team's first prime-time showcase since the middle of the 2023 campaign. A victorious outing against the 7-4 San Francisco 49ers would've not only put the NFL on notice, but it also would've given Carolina sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

That, frustratingly enough, did not happen.

Here are our biggest takeaways from the Panthers' disappointing 20-9 loss:

Dave Canales' approach comes into question

Carolina's offense, which has been at its best when committing to their ground-and-pound approach, dialed up nine rushing attempts all night. Yes, nine.

Following the game, head coach and offensive play-caller Dave Canales was asked about his head-scratching approach. He explained.

"I just felt like building off what happened last week and just taking a step forward with the passing game—I saw some opportunities," Canales stated. "We were protecting pretty well, as far as pass protection goes. And just felt like we didn't come away with our opportunities consistently enough early on.

To his credit, Canales' rationale—unlike the ultimate result—was not that bad.

Of course he'd be itching to stack another good performance on top of quarterback Bryce Young's 448-yard passing day in Week 11. Plus, the elements were there—as the 49ers entered Week 12 with the fifth-worst pass defense and a league-low 12 sacks.

But nine carries? Nine?!? And when running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard were both averaging over five yards per attempt?!?

Young, meanwhile, finished having completed 18 of his 29 throws for 169 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Panthers fans, or at least the ones who view Young favorably, would be lying if they said they didn't want to see the third-year passer shine under these lights. So criticizing Canales for wanting the same may not be fair.

You can, however, question Canales' imbalance in his strategy—which did not put Young, nor the whole of his offense, in a spot to succeed.

Defense puts in another commendable effort

After hunkering down in the second half and in overtime against Atlanta last Sunday, the Panthers defense showed more resilience this week.

They came into the night without both of their starting inside linebackers, Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom, and had one heck of a task on their hands in 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Nevertheless, they persisted—mostly.

In answering a long touchdown drive by San Francisco to open the game, Carolina picked off quarterback Brock Purdy on three straight possessions. Cornerbacks Jaycee Horn, who had two picks, and Mike Jackson came up with the takeaways.

The unit gave their offense, which failed, early chances to light up the scoreboard. They were also dealt multiple injuries throughout the game—with Horn (head), fellow corner Corey Thornton (ankle) and linebacker Claudin Cherelus (head) making early exits.

McCaffrey was even relatively limited. Although he did reach the end zone, the do-it-all All-Pro averaged 3.7 yards per rush on 24 carries and 7.6 yards per reception on seven grabs.

Hats off, once again, to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and his bunch—who have drastically improved from their horrific 2024 campaign.

There's plenty of race left

Yeah, the Panthers spoiled a chance to capture first place in their division this week. But this NFC South race has a ways to go.

Carolina, at 6-6, sits just half a game back of the 6-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And although next week's matchup against the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams looks scary, the Panthers still have a decent shot at clinching their first playoff berth since 2017.

According to The Athletic's "NFL Playoff Simulator," Carolina would have an 85-percent chance at making the postseason if they can defeat the 2-9 New Orleans Saints in Week 15 and the Bucs in Weeks 16 and 18—and that's even if they lose to the Rams in Week 13 and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.

It's not over yet, folks.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers vs. 49ers 2025: Biggest takeaways from the Week 12 loss