The San Francisco 49ers couldn’t get past the Los Angeles Rams in a tough divisional matchup, but it wasn’t on Mac Jones. The former New England Patriots star kept the chains in motion in a 42-26 home loss against one of the stoutest and toughest defenses in the game.
Mac Jones Should Continue to Start in San Francisco
Jones completed 33 of 39 passes for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He extended plays and avoided sacks, taking big hits while ensuring his receivers were in a position to succeed.
That’s why, following the loss, NFL analyst Colin Cowherd and former scout John Middlekauff discussed Jones’ future in the league, and they both agree that he should be a starter.
“I would have no problem as a bridge quarterback for a couple of years, going with Mac Jones if I was an NFL GM or a coach,” Cowherd said. “He’s one of the best bridge guys.”
“He’s probably better than that,” Middlekauff responded. “Clearly, you want Sam Darnold; his physical traits for a guy who was drafted that high in any draft. Mac doesn’t have those physical attributes, but he’s an NFL starting quarterback.”
More than that, Middlekauff went out to say that he doesn’t think Purdy is going to start another game for Kyle Shanahan’s team this season. He’s banged up, and Jones is balling:
“I actually don’t think is that controversial to say (that Jones should be the starter),” Middlekauff said. “Purdy’s toe doesn’t work. He can’t even suit up for a game, so Mac Jones is the starter for the entire season. I don’t expect Purdy to play.”
Tom Brady Endorses Jones as a Starter
Notably, that’s the same way Tom Brady feels. The seven-time Super Bowl champion believes that the Niners need to ride with the hot hand, even when Purdy comes back:
“You gotta go with the hot hand,” Brady said before the game. “Yes, you stay with him. I gotta believe that’s why I’m still sitting here today because they went with the hot hand about 25 years ago.”
Jones currently has a 78.6 PFSN impact metric, which ranks 14th in the league. That’s higher than players like Baker Mayfield or Aaron Rodgers.
He’s up to 2,151 passing yards, thirteen touchdowns, and six interceptions. And with the Niners sitting on a 6-4 record and still in the mix for a playoff spot, going back to Purdy could be a risk they can’t afford to take right now.