Mac Jones' 49ers debut couldn't have gotten off to a better start

Fans understandably didn't know what to expect from backup quarterback Mac Jones, making his first-ever start for the San Francisco 49ers with Brock Purdy sidelined with a toe injury in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.

On one hand, Jones fit the prototype for what head coach Kyle Shanahan wants for his offense. On the other, the 2021 first-round NFL Draft pick of the New England Patriots hasn't exactly wowed since his Pro Bowl rookie season.

Jones and the Niners may have gotten off to a sluggish start in NOLA, highlighted by his opening-drive 3-and-out.

But, when the No. 2 QB and the rest of San Francisco's offense finally got into rhythm, good things happened.

Mac Jones' 49ers debut gets off to a good start

The injury-riddled 49ers weren't just shorthanded at quarterback. They were also missing All-Pro tight end George Kittle (hamstring), which opened the door for Jones to hit backup tight end Luke Farrell for the latter's first-ever NFL touchdown -- an 11-yard pass at the 3:25 mark of the first quarter:

That play might have been more workmanlike than anything else. But it was Jones' execution within the final two minutes of the first half that truly stand out.

An eight-play, 77-yard drive had the backup going 6-of-8 (with one spike to stop the clock), culminating with a perfect 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffrey to make it 16-7:

Considering the Niners did this with just 11 seconds on the clock and in light of getting the ball back for the third quarter, it's hard to see Jones and Co. executing any better.

In total over the first half, Jones went 15-of-23 for 151 yards, two touchdowns against zero interceptions, all for a passer rating of 112.8.

If the second half goes as well for Jones and Co., it might spark an unforeseen (and not too serious) quarterback controversy.

San Francisco, meanwhile, would be happy to just take the win.