New England Patriots - NESN.com
Mac Jones’ habit of sending subtle shots at his former teams continued after his latest victory for the 49ers.
The fourth-year quarterback completed 79.2% of his passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns in San Francisco’s road win over the New York Giants on Sunday. The victory improved Jones’ record to 5-2 since replacing Brock Purdy (toe injury) as the 49ers’ starting quarterback.
After the game, Jones was asked whether the 49ers have allowed him to “be himself” more than his previous employers. And it’s hard to view his answer as anything other than a veiled shot at the New England Patriots and/or Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Yeah, for sure,” Jones told reporters. “I mean, I really do feel that. It’s not a knock on anybody. I feel like this is a great organization that (has) a lot of laid-back people that (are) more my personality and just let me be me. And all the guys every day, they’re the same guys every day, whether we’re down in a game like last week or up in a game like this week. There’s the same mentality. And I really appreciate everybody, from coaches to everybody.”
Jones would be justified in holding contempt for the Patriots, who drafted him 15th overall in 2021. After a strong rookie campaign with Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator, Jones was forced to play under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge in his second season and under a neutered Bill O’Brien in 2023.
His career fell apart, he became a laughing stock in New England, and he was traded to Jacksonville before the 2024 season.
Now with the 49ers, Jones is becoming the latest in an increasingly long line of quarterbacks who’ve capitalized on changes of scenery. Over the last seven weeks, Jones completed 67.2% of his passes for 1,832 yards and 10 TDs to go along with just five interceptions and 16 sacks.
There’s a chance Purdy returns for this Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, but if he struggles, the 49ers might hesitate to put Jones back on the field.
