INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Picture this: Back in 2021, Kyle Shanahan almost had the San Francisco 49ers draft Mac Jones. Fast forward to now, and it looks like they finally got their wish. Jones, who joined the 49ers this offseason eager to play in Shanahan’s system, is now leading the charge while Brock Purdy is sidelined.
Last Thursday, the 49ers faced the Los Angeles Rams and pulled off a thrilling 26-23 overtime victory. Despite missing their top four receivers, Jones completed his first eight passes and helped the team jump to a quick 14-0 lead. It wasn’t an easy night, though; he took some hard hits, aggravated his knee injury, and dealt with forearm cramps. But he kept pushing, leading crucial scoring drives in the fourth quarter and overtime.
“He was on fire tonight,” said cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, who shared the excitement of the win. After the game, Jones finished with 342 yards, two touchdowns, and a strong 33-of-49 passing record.
The odds were stacked against the 49ers. They had injuries across the board, and many fans and analysts didn’t expect them to win. “Kyle was mad about being underdogs again,” Jones shared. “But that just fueled us.”
Jones’s confidence can be credited to Shanahan’s belief in him. Shanahan has always appreciated Jones’s quick reads and decision-making. After the game, he made it clear he sees Jones as a starter. “Oh yeah, definitely. Always have,” he stated.
In a recent survey, 67% of fans expressed faith in Jones as a reliable backup, a sentiment echoed by players in the locker room. Tight end Jake Tonges remarked, “Mac’s always ready to let it fly. That’s why we love him.”
Jones’s journey has been interesting. After being a focal point in New England, he faced challenges that tested his grit. Now, playing freely with the 49ers, he’s shining like never before. Former teammate Kendrick Bourne noted, “You can see he’s confident now. He’s playing free.”
Statistically, Jones has already set a remarkable milestone. In just three games, he has two game-winning drives, a stark contrast to his previous 42 starts with the Patriots, where he managed only two. It’s clear: he’s found his rhythm in Shanahan’s system.
Running back Christian McCaffrey praised Jones as a warrior and a leader. “He’s someone we can all rally behind,” McCaffrey said. “That was a fun one to be part of.”
As the season progresses, the 49ers remain optimistic. Currently at 4-1, the team is thriving, with Jones rising to the occasion. In today’s NFL, the ability to adapt quickly can make or break a player’s career. For Jones, this might just be his moment.
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San Francisco 49ers, NFL
