New Orleans – Mac Jones made a statement in his first start of the season, proving he’s ready for the spotlight. Filling in with Brock Purdy and George Kittle sidelined by injuries, Jones was nearly flawless, completing 26 of 29 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns to lead the San Francisco 49ers to a 26-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Jones’ three-touchdown performance today was more than just a strong debut, it was record-setting. His passing scores marked his first of the season and the 57th of his career. It was also his fifth career game with three or more touchdown passes, and his first since Week 1 of last season with the Patriots.
Jones became just the third quarterback in 49ers history to throw for 250-plus yards, three or more touchdowns, and no interceptions in his first start with the team, joining Nick Mullens (2018) and Matt Cavanaugh (1984).
After a rocky start and a missed extra point by kicker Eddie Piñeiro, Jones found his rhythm late in the first quarter, hitting Luke Farrell for an 11-yard touchdown, the first of his career. He followed it up in the second with a 7-yard strike to Christian McCaffrey, giving the 49ers a 16-7 lead at halftime. Piñeiro, signed after Jake Moody was released in Week 1, rebounded with two clutch field goals from 44 and 46 yards.
McCaffrey added to the fireworks, tallying 107 yards from scrimmage, his 58th career game topping the 100-yard mark. The All-Pro running back rushed for 55 yards and caught six passes for 52 yards, including his first receiving touchdown of the season and the 30th of his career. McCaffrey’s 58 games of 100-plus scrimmage yards now ties him for the second-most among active NFL running backs, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most consistent playmakers.
Jones’ best moment came in the fourth quarter, when he connected with Jauan Jennings on a spectacular 42-yard touchdown, the highlight of the afternoon. Despite more injury setbacks, fullback Kyle Juszczyk left with a concussion and lineman Ben Bartch was limited with an ankle injury San Francisco defense held strong. Bryce Huff sealed the win with a crucial forced fumble on Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler in the final minutes.
Jennings led the 49ers receiving with five catches for a team-high 89 yards. He hauled in his first touchdown of the season, the 14th of his career, on what also stood as the longest touchdown reception of the game. Huff delivered a strong performance with four tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. The sack was his first of the season and the 21st of his career, highlighting his continued impact as a pass-rusher.
San Francisco’s defense have played stellar football for two straight games, credit Defenisve Coordinator’s return, Robert Saleh, he just makes guys like Huff, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa better. Bosa filled the stat sheet with nine tackles and one sack of Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler. The sack was his second of the season and the 64.5th of his career, further cementing his role as the cornerstone of Niners defense.
Warner turned in a monster game, leading the 49ers with 11 tackles while adding one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His pass defensed was the 54th of his career, surpassing Hall of Famer Patrick Willis for the most by a Niners linebacker since the stat was first tracked in 1994.
Warner’s forced fumble was the 16th of his career, tying him for the most by any 49ers player since 1994, while his fumble recovery was the seventh of his career and his first since 2021. With his all-around effort, Warner became the first NFL player since 2020, when he last achieved the feat, to record 10+ tackles, at least one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in a single game.
San Francisco opened the season with back-to-back road victories for the first time since 2023, defeating the Saints 26-21 on Sunday after a Week 1 win at Pittsburgh. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Niners also became the first team since 1988 to start a season with consecutive road wins led by two different starting quarterbacks, a feat last accomplished by Joe Montana and Steve Young.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan added another milestone of his own, earning his 72nd career regular-season victory. With the win, Shanahan passed Lawrence “Buck” Shaw (1946–54) for the third-most regular-season wins in franchise history.
The Niners victory not only highlighted Jones’ poise under pressure but also showed the 49ers’ depth and resilience as they continue to battle through early-season injuries.
Photo by 49ers/Twitter
