The San Francisco 49ers are not only undefeated after the first three games of the young season, but they are also in sole possession of first place of the NFC West. All three of their wins have come down to the wire in the fourth quarter, too, which provides a stark contrast to how things went during last year's frustrating 6-11 campaign.
The $265 million face of the franchise, Brock Purdy, started at quarterback in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite getting the win at Lumen Field, the signal-caller also suffered toe and shoulder injuries that ultimately led to him sitting out the Niners' following two contests.
As Purdy sat out Week 2, Mac Jones stepped in and shined against the New Orleans Saints. He reminded the NFL that he not only took the New England Patriots to the playoffs as a rookie in 2021 but was named a Pro Bowler that season, too.
At home in the Week 3 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, Jones only threw for one touchdown but his only interception could have also affected the result of the game. Instead, Jones led San Francisco down the field in a two-minute drive that culminated in a 16-15 victory with kicker Eddy Pineiro's game-winning field goal as time expired.
Mac Jones should start for 49ers vs. Jaguars (if healthy)
Not to underestimate their next opponent, the 2-1 Jacksonville Jaguars, but San Francisco still matches up favorably against the AFC South contenders. Despite opposing quarterback Trevor Lawrence throwing for 671 yards on the season already, he is barely making half of his passes (55.75 percent).
In addition to being 10-percent more accurate, Jones also has thrown as many touchdowns as Lawrence and in one less game.
Depending on Purdy's availability and injury status, Jones might end up getting the call against his employer from 2024 where he served as Lawrence's backup. True, he's dealing with a knee injury of his own, but it'd be a fitting opportunity for a grudge match, since the 49ers' No. 2 signal-caller didn't exactly have the best go-around with the Jags.
So far in 2025, Jones' 66.3 completion percentage is his best since his rookie 2021 season. His 98.1 rating and 66.0 adjusted quarterback ratings are currently career-highs, as well.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout may have a chance to stick it to the Lawrence and the Jaguars. Revenge could be in the forecast on Sunday at Levi's Stadium for Jones and his new team, especially if Purdy ends up missing another week en route to getting fully healthy.
If Jones is able to go for Week 4 against Jacksonville, it gives Purdy an extra week off before San Francisco goes into SoFi Stadium to face an in-state NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams. That Week 5 game is a Thursday night game, so it might make some sense to give Purdy a little more of a break to fully recover from his toe issue.
In the meantime, Jones might have that chip on his shoulder if he's allowed to start Week 4 when the 49ers host the Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 4:05 p.m. ET.