Mac Jones' 49ers debut: Praise, learning curves, and mixed reviews

Quarterback Mac Jones made his San Francisco 49ers debut on Saturday night, playing three drives to open the preseason matchup against the Denver Broncos. The veteran signal-caller started hot, completing his first four passes and leading an impressive opening drive capped by a touchdown run from Patrick Taylor Jr. The offense looked sharp and in rhythm early.

However, Jones' next two drives were less productive. He finished the night 4-of-7 passing for 74 yards with one interception. The 49ers squandered an early nine-point lead, losing to the Broncos 30-9 at Levi's Stadium.

After the game, Jones reflected on his first live snaps in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.

"It felt pretty good just to get back [to] playing football," Jones said. "I was talking to some of the guys. It's just been a minute since everyone's played football, a real game, and for me, I'm on a new team again. You just get more comfortable as time goes along.

"Definitely started off fast against their one defense, which was good. I felt like the guys answered the question there, and we just have to—really, me—have to just play better in those other two drives.

"The good news is we get, hopefully, another chance next week to go out there and do it."

While most 49ers starters sat out the preseason opener, Jones faced the Broncos' starting defense. Shanahan praised his quarterback's poise and performance.

"Mac seemed like he performed well," Shanahan said. "I liked how he came out. It was a challenge, especially going against that defense."

Shanahan added, "But I was happy with Mac today."

San Francisco signed Jones to a two-year deal in March, aiming to bring stability to the backup quarterback role behind Brock Purdy. The job was contested last season, but there's no question it belongs to Jones in 2025.

"I feel fortunate to have Mac," Shanahan said. "I think Mac's a good quarterback. I think he's done some really good things in this league. He's had a hell of a camp with us, and I think he did a real good job today."

Shanahan also explained why there's more clarity with the quarterback room heading into the 2025 season.

"It's always hard when you're having the two and the three compete," Shanahan explained. "They've got to split those reps, and that's what we've been through here last year. But we kind of have much more of an idea now who our one is, obviously, who our two is, and we'll have our three and four competing now."

As training camp has progressed, Jones has shown steady improvement and a growing comfort level within the 49ers' offensive system. He still views it as a good fit and is looking forward to continuing the learning process.

"I think, every day, you learn something new in the system," Jones shared. "Obviously, you get the chance to go out there and play in the game, and kind of just feel things out, and it's my first time taking real snaps in this offense, so I'm looking forward to the growth that all of us will be able to do.

"And definitely want to play better and put more points out there. That's all you can do, is kind of just take it day by day, and see how you can do better."