Briana Jeannel
The San Francisco 49ers kept their early-season momentum rolling with a 26-21 road victory over the New Orleans Saints, improving to 2-0 with back-to-back wins on the road. With QBBrock Purdysidelined,Mac Jonesstepped in and delivered 279 yards and three touchdowns in his first start for San Francisco, while the defense once again came up with key stops to close out the game. With another strong showing and national outlets weighing in, let's take a look at where the 49ers landed in the latest power rankings.
Week 3 Power Rankings:
NFL Network: 13
Eric Edholm, Lead Draft Writer
"Mac Jonesmade some key throws in New Orleans -- even with some mistakes, including the third-quarter fumble that kept the Saints alive. But considering whom he was throwing to, Jones played very well in his first start for San Francisco and can be trusted against Arizona this week if Purdy remains out. Say what you will about the defense, but once again, it kept the opponent in check and made a big play late to seal it. It hasn't been easy, and the Niners still have a lot to prove, but they are 2-0 with two road victories."
ESPN: 11
Nick Wagoner, ESPN NFL Nation
Biggest QB takeaway:
"Before Sunday, a quarterback other thanBrock Purdyhadn't started and won with the 49ers since Jimmy Garoppolo in December 2022. But Jones stepped in against the Saints and posted a 67.2 QBR with three touchdown passes. San Francisco hopes to have Purdy back soon from toe and left shoulder injuries, but its confidence in Jones is for real if Purdy has to miss more time."
CBS Sports: 8
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Senior Writer
"They are 2-0 with two road victories, one with a backup quarterback. That's a nice way to start a season.Mac Jonesplayed well against the Saints."
The Athletic: 9
Chad Graff and Josh Kendall, Senior Writers
"On Sunday, Jones was 26-for-39 for 279 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in his first stint since fill-in duty last season in Jacksonville..."
FOX Sports: 14
Ralph Vacchiano, NFL Reporter
"Kyle Shanahan got 279 yards and three touchdowns out of backup QB Mac Jones, which is pretty impressive."
Yahoo! Sports: 10
Frank Schwab, Senior Reporter
"Kyle Shanahan is an excellent offensive coach. QB Mac Jones had 279 yards and three touchdowns filling in for Brock Purdy. Jones should be reasonable with Purdy out, and that's because he has Shanahan calling the offense for him."
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