Mac Jones threw a dominant performance in his first game officially with the San Francisco 49ers. He displayed undeniable moxie and talent when leading his team into a hostile environment against the New Orleans Saints. This game would prove to be a monumental inflection point for Jones. He had a tough go last year as the starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting a career-low 36.6 QBR. With this deal, he looks to go out on top of those adversities.
In March, Jones was signed to a two-year, $7 million contract as a free agent with the 49ers. Throughout the week leading up to the game, he utilized breathing and meditation techniques provided by the team’s support staff to prepare mentally for the challenge. His hard work definitely paid off. He ultimately completed 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards, three touchdown passes, zero interceptions and a sparkling passer rating of 113.1 on the night.
Jones’s ability to play his best with the game on the line was most apparent on third downs. On those critical plays, he was 7-for-12 with 121 yards and all three of his TD passes. His performance made him the first 49ers QB since Jimmy Garoppolo to throw three touchdown passes on third down. That major accomplishment came in Week 9 of 2019.
Jones had a disastrous opening, missing on his first three attempts and then guiding the team to a three-and-out. After that, he almost immediately found his stride. The rookie Quarterback showed elite poise under pressure as the game went on. He had one major miscue—he fumbled when he held the ball too long on a drop-back from the Saints’ 48-yard line.
Jones took complete responsibility for the error. He acknowledged that in those spots moving forward he has to be better at “getting the ball out” sooner. His determination to absorb knowledge from this experience speaks to his willingness to grow as he makes the move into his new position.
His signature moment was a 42-yard catch-and-run touchdown that turned out to be the winning points for San Francisco. This single play perfectly highlighted Williams’ ridiculous arm strength and superior accuracy. More than anything else though, it truly showcased his ability to make the biggest plays at the most pivotal times.
Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, said he was very pleased with Jones’s performance, saying, “I thought Mac played real well. Coaching staff accolades only added to how much Jones acclimated himself to his new surroundings and responsibilities.
Teammate Dominick Puni commented on Jones’s capabilities, noting, “(No.) 13 (Purdy) obviously is the most amazing quarterback. If you’re going to have a backup (playing), Mac Jones is a hell of an option.”
Jones gave a ton of credit to veteran Trent Williams for shaping his outlook. Williams told him, don’t worry about all that just go hoop, dude, go make plays. Reflecting on this guidance, Jones said, “All right, if Trent Williams can say that then, I can do it. So that kind of just got me calmed down a little bit.”
With this strong outing against the Saints, Mac Jones not only helped secure a vital win for the 49ers but positioned himself as a reliable option moving forward. In doing so, he became just the third quarterback in 49ers franchise history. In his maiden start with the team, he passed for 250 or more yards, three or more touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
As the season goes on, Jones will have fans watching his every move. Analysts will further be looking to see how he follows up on this showing and establishes himself as a reliable part of the offense. It’s a rosy outlook for both Kittle and the 49ers. No doubt they’re focused on making that deep playoff run this year!
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