Mac Jones shines in 49ers victory, earning praise from NFL legend Steve Young
Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones seized a pivotal opportunity last Sunday, stepping in as the starter for the San Francisco 49ers in place of the injured Brock Purdy. Facing off against the New Orleans Saints, Jones not only led his team to victory but also silenced critics who had doubted his potential following his departure from the New England Patriots.
In a commanding performance, Jones showcased his skills, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns while completing nearly 67 percent of his passes. His display of talent reaffirmed his capability as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Steve Young’s endorsement
One of the most notable figures to commend Jones was Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. During an appearance on the radio station KNBR, Young extolled the virtues of both Jones and the 49ers’ coaching staff.
“Tactically, situationally, you can go after Kyle a little bit,” Young remarked, referencing head coach Kyle Shanahan. “But he’s the best at getting people prepared to play quarterback, to make it as easy as possible and see you thrive. You’re never gonna be a better quarterback anywhere in the league than you are when you’re in San Francisco.”
Young’s words resonate particularly given the 49ers’ history with quarterbacks. Many, including legendary signal-caller Joe Montana, believed that Jones would have been an ideal fit for the team’s system during the draft. However, the 49ers opted for Trey Lance, who ultimately lost his starting position to Purdy.
A chance to prove himself
With Purdy still sidelined for at least another week, Jones has a golden opportunity to demonstrate to the rest of the league why he should have been a top pick. Young emphasized the importance of this moment for Jones, stating, “Mac gets the benefit of being here and seeing how good he can get, because that’s the promise. If you can come here, we’ll see how good you are, and he’s willing to take that chance, so it’s good for him.”
Young encapsulated the sentiment surrounding Jones’s resurgence perfectly, affirming, “He’s a good player. And now, he gets a chance.” As Jones continues to build on this momentum, all eyes will be on him to see if he can establish himself as a reliable starter in the league.
