The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 2, getting through with an impressive performance from backup quarterback Mac Jones and a bend-don\u2019t-break defense en route to a 2-0 start.<\/p>\n
San Francisco has been hit hard by the injury bug to start the year. Tight end George Kittle was placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury. Quarterback Brock Purdy has a turf toe-like injury, causing him to miss Week 2. And several others are battling injuries, such as left tackle Trent Williams.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, they are 2-0, getting by in a close, but definitive victory over the Saints in Week 2.<\/p>\n
Jones had a day, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Yes, there were some poor sacks and certain plays where he held onto the ball too long. But, for a backup quarterback making his first start in a new offense, Jones was gutsy and had several impressive moments, including a nice two-minute drill at the end of the first half to give the 49ers a two-score lead at halftime.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, the 49ers quarterback had 39 passing attempts and a couple of scrambles on dropbacks, indicating head coach Kyle Shanahan\u2019s confidence in his backup. And Jones delivered with a good performance, making pretty good decisions and eliminating the turnover-worthy plays that have hurt him in the past.<\/p>\n
Of course, the 49ers are looking forward to having Brock Purdy back sometime. And that could potentially even be as early as this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s a chance [Brock Purdy could play against the Arizona Cardinals],\u201d Shanahan said after the team\u2019s win over New Orleans. \u201cBut, we\u2019ve got to see how the toe goes. It\u2019s very up to debate, so we\u2019re just taking it a day at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Purdy had an up-and-down start against a tough Seattle Seahawks defense in the opener, throwing for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. But, he did lead a crucial drive with 3:24 left, going 6\/6 with 57 yards and the go-ahead touchdown to Jake Tonges on 3rd & Goal.<\/p>\n
After signing a five-year, $265 million deal this offseason, he is clearly the 49ers\u2019 quarterback of the future. But, Jones\u2019s performance on Sunday at least provides confidence that San Francisco can get by for a few weeks while allowing Purdy to fully heal from his toe injury.<\/p>\n
The 49ers return home this weekend to take on the Arizona Cardinals, who have started 2-0, but have also had two close (ish) games against the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers to start the season.<\/p>\n
Purdy was initially expected to miss two to five weeks with the toe injury, so it wouldn\u2019t be a surprise if he misses Week 3 (and potentially even more time). But, it seems there could at least be a chance that the quarterback suits up this week, as the 49ers have another divisional game early in the season.<\/p>\n
San Francisco will take on Arizona this Sunday, with kickoff slated for 1:25 p.m. on FOX.<\/p>\n