INGLEWOOD, CA – Mac Jones’ two-toned suit was a fashion statement. But his performance on the field Thursday night was his biggest form of expression.
Jones was superb in a 26-23 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams. Jones completed 33-of-49 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns.
“I don’t have enough good things to say about Mac. He’s an absolute warrior. He’s a leader. He’s somebody that we all get behind, for sure,” 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey said. “I think it’s a testament to him and his attitude and the way he plays football. It’s a testament to Brock and the way that he’s been helping him get ready to go (and) a testament to the coaches.”
The 49ers were a depleted team Thursday night due to injury. The 49ers ruled out WR Jauan Jennings (ankle, rib) and WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) earlier in the week. Jones started in place of Brock Purdy who was out due to a toe injury. Plus, the team was without tight end George Kittle (hamstring) on injured reserve and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) on the PUP-list.
San Francisco walked into Week 5 sans their starting quarterback, three best wide receivers and top tight end. Yet, the 49ers controlled most of the contest and never trailed.
It was a total team effort, albeit a depleted one.
Defensive lineman Jordan Elliott blocked Joshua Karty’s extra point attempt that would’ve given the Rams a one-point lead in the fourth quarter. Later in the final period, defensive lineman Alfred Collins stripped running back Kyren Williams as the running back was about to cross the goal line for a go-ahead touchdown.
In overtime, linebacker Fred Warner blew up a Williams run on fourth down that resulted in the game-winning fourth-down stop.
“I can’t say enough about the guys. They were unbelievable. We talked about how long this game was gonna be. How focused we had to be, how competitive we had to be the entire time,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “It was a huge character win.”
But Jones, McCaffrey, Kendrick Bourne made plays throughout. Jones and Bourne already had a rapport from their three years together in New England. Their connection was apparent as Bourne produced 10 catches for a career-high 142 receiving yards. While McCaffrey was a safety valve as he kept the offense flowing to the tune of 139 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown.
“Today was a blessing,” Bourne said. The offense was awesome to be a part of. Mac Jones, O-line fighting, the running backs (and) tight ends. Just collectively we played well.”
Jones is now 3-0 as the 49ers starter this year as Purdy continues to battle injuries.
Week 5 was Jones’ first 300-yard passing game since the 2023 season when he was with the Patriots. USA TODAY Sports asked Jones postgame if Thursday night was his best game as a 49er.
“I don’t know. I have to watch the tape. It was definitely the biggest challenge considering, I mean, I thought they were the best defense in the NFL,” Jones responded.
Given the circumstances and the state of the 49ers roster, it was Jones’ best performance in a 49ers uniform. And now the entire team is 4-1 and on top of the NFC West.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: QB Mac Jones, 49ers have ‘character win’ versus Rams
