Rams just single-handedly created a QB controversy for the 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams' defense had dominated through four games. But against a San Francisco offense ravaged by injuries, they looked confused, on their heels, and uncertain. From the opening drive, it was clear the Niners' offense was locked in. Unfortunately, the Blue and Yellow defense wasn’t. And while the game was still in the first half, things were already starting to spiral.

The truth is, the stage was set long before kickoff. San Francisco backup quarterback Mac Jones had two things going for him that no other quarterback had in 2025. First, he was playing for the 49ers, a team that always seems to rally from the brink whenever facing LA.

The second thing going for him was the ability to throw a forward pass against a depleted Rams secondary. With an offense seemingly dependent on the rushing prowess of Christian McCaffrey, head coach Kyle Shanahan knew he had to deliver a completely reworked offensive game plan—one that suited his backup quarterback’s strengths. He overshot the mark.

Rams defense all but turned Mac Jones into the 49ers’ next franchise QB

As feared, and as in his previous two starts, Jones was confident and competent in the pocket. He may have been the perfect quarterback for this moment, having trained with many of the offensive weapons that took the field in Week 5. And the offense, rather than play it safe, played to Jones’ strengths. The results were impressive:

He started red hot, lifting the 49ers to a 14-point lead that they would never fully lose. The Rams didn’t tie the score until the fourth quarter, just in time to send the game into overtime. But LA foolishly deferred the overtime kickoff (who does that?), giving Jones the first opportunity to strike. And that was all he needed.

He had just enough left to get his team into range for a game-winning field goal. With that, he enters the exclusive circle of Niners quarterbacks that includes Steve Young and Joe Montana.

The offense emphasized short, quick passes to neutralize LA’s pass rush, while putting tremendous pressure on the Rams’ suspect cornerbacks. By the time the defense adjusted, the 49ers adjusted again—sending receivers on deeper routes. The strategy baffled defenders who had come in ready to stop McCaffrey on the ground.

Mission accomplished.

But McCaffrey’s rushing was merely a diversionary tactic. The offense didn’t need him to carry the team, and it showed. The plan was to run the offense through the quarterback, and Jones delivered.

The Ramily knows that one. Carson Wentz defeated the 49ers in 2023, and fans still admire him for snapping the losing streak to their nefarious NFC West rivals. Now that streak has resumed. And it wasn’t at the hands of Brock Purdy, but rather his backup.

Will Purdy reclaim the starting role? If he does, it may be a mistake. Jones has been virtually flawless in three starts, and most importantly, undefeated.

Is there a quarterback controversy in San Francisco? If not, there most certainly should be. As always, thanks for reading.

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