The San Francisco 49ers improved to 8-4 with a 20-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football at Levi's Stadium. But despite the win, star tight end George Kittle admitted he was frustrated with the team's overall performance, believing the 49ers left too many opportunities on the field.
"I mean, winning in the NFL is really hard," Kittle said during a postgame interview on ESPN. "It is what it is. So, anytime you can get out with a 'W,' you're happy about it."
The 49ers overcame three first-half turnovers—each an interception thrown by quarterback Brock Purdy. Kittle felt the offense should have done more, especially given how effectively they moved the ball.
"Obviously, we're frustrated we didn't put up more points," Kittle said. "I think our offense, we're striving to score 30-plus every single time. We didn't do that tonight, but that's what our goal is.
"The nice thing is, I feel like we moved the ball really, really well, besides like one time, which was the second to last drive, which we got three-and-outed. But besides that, I thought we moved the ball really well."
Kittle believes the 49ers simply need to protect the football better, expressing confidence that Purdy will tighten things up as the season continues. He also praised the defense for stepping up and keeping the Panthers out of the end zone in a game where every stop mattered.
"Overall, happy with what our defense did," Kittle said. "Our safety, Ji'Ayir Brown, two picks for him, awesome. Made some tackles. So, just happy our defense had our backs today."
Brown entered the game with just three career interceptions in 43 appearances, making his two-pick performance a breakout moment for the third-year safety.
Next up, the playoff-hopeful 49ers will try to secure their ninth win of the season as they travel to face the Cleveland Browns this weekend.