San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones revealed a surprising pregame moment involving head coach Kyle Shanahan that fired up the locker room before their 26-23 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams.
According to Jones, Shanahan was irritated after learning the 49ers’ odds had shifted further against them.
“Kyle came up to me and was pissed about that, saying, ‘I can’t believe they moved us as underdogs more,’” Jones explained, as per Bay Area News reporter Cam Inman. “I said, ‘I don’t know what that means, but let’s kill them.’”
The exchange showed how closely Shanahan pays attention to outside perception and how little Jones lets it affect him. What mattered most was turning frustration into motivation on the field.
Mac Jones on Kyle Shanahan upset about the increased odds against the 49ers:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 3, 2025
"Kyle came up to me and was pissed about that, saying ' I can’t believe they moved us as underdogs more.' I said, ‘I don’t know what that means but let’s kill them.' ”
Shanahan’s reaction resonated with his players, many of whom entered the game already facing challenges. San Francisco was without starting quarterback Brock Purdy, three wide receivers and star tight end George Kittle. On top of that, oddsmakers cast further doubt by giving the edge to the Rams.
But instead of shrinking under pressure, the 49ers responded. Jones led an efficient and determined offense, throwing for 342 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding turnovers.
Running back Christian McCaffrey added 139 yards from scrimmage and a score, while Kendrick Bourne stepped up with 142 receiving yards.
The effort, combined with late defensive stops, secured a statement win; one that Shanahan could point to as proof that betting odds do not dictate effort.
While Shanahan was clearly upset about the odds movement, Jones admitted he didn’t fully grasp what it meant.
“I didn’t really understand what the line movement meant,” Jones said. “But I wanted to win too.”
For Jones, the mission was simple: lead the 49ers to victory in place of the injured Purdy. The 27-year-old is now undefeated in his three starts this season.
Though the 49ers hold a 4-1 record and sit atop the NFC West, moments like Shanahan’s anger show how the team finds ways to put extra motivation.
For Jones, the night may have also served as a reminder that even backup quarterbacks can thrive when belief runs high inside the building. As the veteran put it, the outside odds don’t matter, but the determination to “kill them” certainly does.
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