49ers' Kendrick Bourne explains how Mac Jones is different from his Patriots days

Long before quarterback Mac Jones and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne helped the San Francisco 49ers earn a gritty 26-23 overtime victory at the Los Angeles Rams that improved the 49ers to 4-1 on Thursday night, the two players were teammates with the New England Patriots from 2021 through the 2023 season. 

Following Thursday's win, Bourne discussed how Jones is different from what the signal-caller was during his final days with the Patriots. 

Mac Jones is having "fun" with San Francisco 49ers

"It's just awesome to see him in this space," Bourne said about Jones, per Nick Shook of the NFL's website. "How I seen him in New England was a different world for him. So to see him now, with the peace he has, he's playing free and having fun. I think it's a big part of the game for him and it's showing."

The Patriots made Jones a first-round pick during the 2021 NFL Draft, and he earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie before his relationship with legendary coach Bill Belichick allegedly deteriorated. Belichick later pulled Jones from games on four occasions during the 2023 season, and Jones made his last appearance for the club in Week 12 of that campaign. 

After Jones completed a rather forgettable stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, he linked up with the 49ers this past March. He has since gone 3-0 while filling in for the injured Brock Purdy (toe), and he completed 33 of 49 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. 

Meanwhile, Bourne recorded 10 catches on 11 targets for 142 yards in the win.

Mac Jones' confidence was on display against Los Angeles Rams

Jones battled through a re-aggravated PCL injury and cramping in his forearm on Thursday night. He also showed a bit of swagger at SoFi Stadium.