Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 2, getting through with an impressive performance from backup quarterback Mac Jones and a bend-don’t-break defense en route to a 2-0 start.
San Francisco has been hit hard by the injury bug to start the year. Tight end George Kittle was placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury. Quarterback Brock Purdy has a turf toe-like injury, causing him to miss Week 2. And several others are battling injuries, such as left tackle Trent Williams.
Nonetheless, they are 2-0, getting by in a close, but definitive victory over the Saints in Week 2.
Jones had a day, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Yes, there were some poor sacks and certain plays where he held onto the ball too long. But, for a backup quarterback making his first start in a new offense, Jones was gutsy and had several impressive moments, including a nice two-minute drill at the end of the first half to give the 49ers a two-score lead at halftime.
Interestingly, the 49ers quarterback had 39 passing attempts and a couple of scrambles on dropbacks, indicating head coach Kyle Shanahan’s confidence in his backup. And Jones delivered with a good performance, making pretty good decisions and eliminating the turnover-worthy plays that have hurt him in the past.
Of course, the 49ers are looking forward to having Brock Purdy back sometime. And that could potentially even be as early as this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“I think there’s a chance [Brock Purdy could play against the Arizona Cardinals],” Shanahan said after the team’s win over New Orleans. “But, we’ve got to see how the toe goes. It’s very up to debate, so we’re just taking it a day at a time.”
Purdy had an up-and-down start against a tough Seattle Seahawks defense in the opener, throwing for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. But, he did lead a crucial drive with 3:24 left, going 6/6 with 57 yards and the go-ahead touchdown to Jake Tonges on 3rd & Goal.
After signing a five-year, $265 million deal this offseason, he is clearly the 49ers’ quarterback of the future. But, Jones’s performance on Sunday at least provides confidence that San Francisco can get by for a few weeks while allowing Purdy to fully heal from his toe injury.
The 49ers return home this weekend to take on the Arizona Cardinals, who have started 2-0, but have also had two close (ish) games against the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers to start the season.
Purdy was initially expected to miss two to five weeks with the toe injury, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he misses Week 3 (and potentially even more time). But, it seems there could at least be a chance that the quarterback suits up this week, as the 49ers have another divisional game early in the season.
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