Backup Mac Jones Leads 49ers Over Saints 26-21 in Road Win

Backup quarterback Mac Jones led the San Francisco 49ers to a 26-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints in a closely contested NFL game at the Superdome. Jones, filling in for injured starter Brock Purdy, threw for 279 yards and a career-tying three touchdowns, including a crucial 42-yard third-down pass to Jauan Jennings late in the game. Despite a rough start and a fumble, Jones settled in and demonstrated he fits well within Kyle Shanahan's offense, helping the 49ers start the season 2-0 for the fourth time in seven years. Spencer Rattler had a solid outing for the Saints, throwing three touchdown passes and completing 25 of 34 passes for 206 yards, but New Orleans remains winless under rookie coach Kellen Moore. Key moments included a strip-sack fumble forced by Bryce Huff late in the game, which helped preserve the 49ers' lead, along with a pivotal defensive takeaway that thwarted a Saints scoring drive. The 49ers showed resilience despite injuries, while the Saints continue to struggle early in the season.