The San Francisco 49ers, despite injuries running roughshod over their roster, have been able to remain a viable threat in the NFC due to some excellent head coaching by Kyle Shanahan and a better-than-admirable job from Mac Jones as the backup quarterback.
However, last week, the team received a boost in the form of Brock Purdy finally returning to the lineup for an extended period of time for the first time all year. Unfortunately, after an excellent first week, things have deteriorated so badly in their Monday Night Football clash against the Carolina Panthers that fans are already calling for Jones to return.
Fans Believe Mac Jones Is Better Than Brock Purdy
In the eight games without Purdy, Jones put up 2,151 passing yards and 13 touchdowns with a passer rating of 97.4 to lead the team to a 5-3 record. As a result, some believed that San Francisco could keep him in the starting lineup for an extended period of time.
According to PFSN’s QB Impact metric, Jones is the 11th-ranked quarterback in the league with an impact score (QBi) of 80.2.
However, as soon as Purdy was healthy enough to be on the field, Shanahan chose to give the QB1 role back to him. In his first week back, it seemed like the perfect choice, as he completed 73.1% of his passes while throwing for three touchdowns and had a passer rating of 133.5.
This week, the hope was that he could carry that momentum into a crucial game with playoff implications against Carolina. After an opening script led to a touchdown, though, it has all gone downhill for the former Mr. Irrelevant.
Throwing three interceptions on the following three 49ers drives, he has been absolutely dreadful, even as the Panthers have failed to capitalize on his mistakes. Unfortunately, fans aren’t as ready to judge his play solely by the score.
JAYCEE HORN AGAIN! 3RD PANTHERS INT.
CARvsSF on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/uDwhX4pu24— NFL (@NFL) November 25, 2025
While some were detailed in their criticism, stating, “What is Purdy doing putting all this extra air under these passes, brother,” others were ready to call an end to the Pro Bowl QB’s time as a starter. “Bro, it’s time to bench Purdy, enough is enough.”
Now what the hell was that Brock Purdy? Why are you forcing that lmao?
— 2ᑭEᗩT ✍🏾 (@2PeatAx) November 25, 2025
Others believed the performance from the former last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft could result in an elevation for Jones back into the lineup. As one fan explained, “Purdy is making an argument for MAC JONES.”
Purdy u can’t throw that pass u should’ve ran
— long live day (@east_og) November 25, 2025
However, others went the hilarious route, using a pun with his name to make their point. “This is a Purdy bad performance from Brock so far.”
As one fan openly questioned, “Is Brock Purdy going to get benched tonight?” It was hard to disagree with their assessment.
Purdy and young genuinely the worst QBs 😭
— ⁷ (@SWAGONPOlNT) November 25, 2025
While he remained in the lineup for the time being, it was hard to imagine Purdy being safe in the role if he carried on this level of play.
