SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy threw an opening-drive touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings, duping all into thinking this “Monday Night Football” affair would be a Brock-Is-Back showcase and a 49ers’ blowout.

Then Purdy got intercepted on the 49ers’ next drive. And the next. And the next.

The 49ers overcame that Thanksgiving Week generosity and toppled the Carolina Panthers 20-9, thanks largely to defensive heroics that included two interceptions by safety Ji’Ayir Brown.

Then again, the win wasn’t secured until Purdy converted a fourth-and-1 sneak at midfield so the 49ers could kill the final two minutes.

The playoff-stalking 49ers (8-4) have won two consecutive games for the first time since their 3-0 start to this topsy-turvey, injury-laden season. Next comes their penultimate road game, a Su

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