New Orleans (Diya TV) – With QB Brock Purdy out due to injury, the San Francisco 49ers rallied behind backup Mac Jones for a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints. It was a gritty game that put SF’s depth to the test as well as its resolve.

Mac Jones Shines in First Start

With Purdy sidelined for quite possibly the next five games, it was up to Jones to shine and hold down the fort. A poised performance throughout, the former first-rounder threw for 279 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. 

The most notable drive came just before halftime in which Jones executed a two-minute drill to perfection, capped off by a touchdown pass to RB Christian McCaffrey. CMC ended the game with 107 total yards from scrimmage. 

WR Jauan Jennings also hauled in a critical 42-yard touchdown which shifted the momentum of the game in the Niners’ favor. 

 

Saints Fight Back

The Saints were never out of the game. QB Spencer Rattler, in his second start under new coaching, threw three touchdowns, completing 25 of 34 passes for 206 yards. RB Alvin Kamara led the ground game with 99 rushing yards and posed a threat through the air as well.

The New Orleans defense got after it with a pivotal strip-sack on Jones in the third quarter, setting up a scoring opportunity. If there was one area to pinpoint as a flaw for both squads, it was special teams. Saints kicker Blake Grupe missed a field goal while new 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro missed an extra point early on. However, Pineiro bounced back with two made field goals.

 

Defense Seals the Win

For the second week in a row, it was the 49ers defense that made the game-sealing play. On a critical 4th-and-2 for New Orleans late in the fourth quarter, newcomer Bryce Huff got to Rattler and forced a fumble which effectively ended the game. 

Up Next

The 49ers have their home opener and it’s an NFC West clash vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. All eyes will be on Mac Jones to see if an encore performance is in store. Meanwhile, Cards QB Kyler Murray & Co. are coming off a 27-22 win over the Carolina Panthers at home.