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The San Francisco 49ers moved to 8-4 with a 20-9 win vs. the Carolina Panthers Monday night, and the victory showcased the leadership by George Kittle that has helped guide the team through weeks of injuries. With multiple starters sidelined for long stretches, the 49ers mentality has been tested repeatedly, yet the San Francisco standard still defined the outcome on Monday night. That theme became the story when the veteran tight end explained why the group continues to respond.
Following the win, SportsCenter posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) a clip of the six-time Pro Bowler discussing how the 49ers maintain high expectations regardless of who is available. The video highlighted his message about accountability across the roster.
“And the 49ers organization, we have a standard that which we play at. … Even when your best players are out, we still want to hold guys to that standard.”
"And the 49ers organization, we have a standard that which we play at. … Even when your best players are out, we still want to hold guys to that standard."
—@gkittle46 on the 49ers' mentality pic.twitter.com/pgcAxYesQY
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 25, 2025
The key absences Kittle referenced have shaped the entire season. Brock Purdy battled a turf toe injury suffered in Week 1, missed eight total starts after re-aggravating it in Week 4, and only returned to the lineup in Week 11. During that extended stretch, the offense leaned heavily on Mac Jones, who delivered a 5-3 record as the temporary starter. His 2,151 passing yards and 97.4 rating revived his career and kept the team in the playoff race while the 49ers injuries mounted across multiple positions.
Against Carolina, the 49ers again had to win with resilience. Purdy threw three interceptions, yet the defense allowed only nine points, Christian McCaffrey rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown, and Kittle added 59 receiving yards in a steady effort. With San Francisco back to 8-4 and getting healthier, the message from Kittle highlights why the 49ers standard and culture remains central as the team prepares for the stretch run of the NFL season.
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