The San Francisco 49ers are officially 2-0 to open up the 2025 regular season. While that part may or not be as shocking to fans, the fact they have two wins with two different quarterbacks could be.
Brock Purdy played in the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks but was then ruled out leading up to Week 2's showdown against the New Orleans Saints. Purdy was subsequently listed as out with a toe injury, as he could miss more than one game.
For at least the third season in a row, the Niners have a different backup behind their starting quarterback. Two years ago, it was Sam Darnold, and last year, it was Joshua Dobbs.
This year, it's Mac Jones.
We're proud of you, Mac 👏 pic.twitter.com/PSOwTg5Zdj
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 14, 2025
Mac Jones silenced critics in 1st start with 49ers
Reminiscent of his breakout rookie season with the New England Patriots, the 2021 Round 1 draft pick completed 26 of his 39 passes without throwing an interception, but lost a fumble. Purdy, meanwhile, had two picks in Week 1.
Jones also threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, one more than Purdy did in his start. Granted, some woud argue NOLA's defense is nowhere on par to that of the Hawks, but it's worth mentioning.
The former Pats and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback connected with wide receiver Jauan Jennings on a 42-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter that ultimately turned into the game-winning score.
Jones found running back Christian McCaffrey twice on the drive to set up the touchdown, having throws for 13 yards and 14 yards before Jennings' touchdown grab.
Murph & Markus are already dreading the national narrative devaluing Purdy if the Niners win and look good with Mac Jones. pic.twitter.com/LhFkx7Rems
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 12, 2025
McCaffrey snagged a touchdown catch of his own from Jones, too, earlier in the game. Fellow former Jaguars and new 49ers teammate Luke Farrell also recorded one. It was Farrells first-ever touchdown in the NFL as well.
Jones' strong performance on Sunday was nearly matched by opposing quarterback Spencer Rattler of the Saints. Rattler also threw three touchdowns on Sunday, but Jones' efforts were far more headline-worthy, given his career arc up to this point and being in the spotlight amid the Purdy injury.
Sunday's performance from Jones helped disspell his 2024 season in Jacksonville. In 10 games, he recorded eight touchdowns and threw just as many interceptions. Jones' adjusted quarterback rating was a 36.6, the lowest in his four-year career so far.
Purdy could return as soon as Week 3 when the 49ers face another undefeated team within the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals. After that, the Niners play Jones' team from last year, the Jags, also at home, setting up a potential juicy grudge match for QB2 if Purdy is still out with injury.
Regardless of who is starting on Sunday against the Cardinals, at least for one game, Jones proved he can match Purdy, if not better.