NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 14, 2025) — The San Francisco 49ers went on the road without their starting quarterback and still found a way to remain perfect. Behind backup Mac Jones, who tossed three touchdown passes, the 49ers edged the New Orleans Saints 26-21 on Sunday at Caesars Superdome, improving to 2-0 and handing Saints head coach Kellen Moore his second straight loss to open his tenure.
Jones Steps Up in Relief
With Brock Purdy sidelined, Jones answered the call in his first 49ers start. The veteran quarterback was efficient, completing 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and three scores. His touchdowns came on throws of 11 yards, 7 yards, and a deep 42-yard strike that provided the decisive edge.
“I just tried to stay calm and trust the system,” Jones said. “Coach Shanahan always talks about next man up. I knew if I executed, we’d have a chance to win.”
The 49ers supplemented Jones’ play with a steady kicking game, as two field goals padded their total and forced the Saints into catch-up mode throughout the afternoon.
Rattler’s Breakthrough Overshadowed
On the opposite sideline, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler delivered the best performance of his young career. The second-year signal-caller completed 25 of 34 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Juwan Johnson, Rashid Shaheed, and rookie Devaughn Vele.
For much of the contest, Rattler kept New Orleans within striking distance, showing poise in the pocket and delivering timely throws. However, turnovers and penalties — recurring themes in Week 1 — again plagued the Saints.
Down five in the final minutes, Rattler attempted to engineer a potential game-winning drive starting at the Saints’ own 6-yard line. He advanced the offense past midfield before being strip-sacked on fourth down, sealing the defeat.
Costly Mistakes
New Orleans’ inability to play clean football was once again its undoing. A series of drive-killing penalties slowed momentum in the first half, while a pair of fumbles and the late turnover in the fourth quarter wiped away opportunities to seize control.
“These are growing pains,” Moore said. “We’re right there, but we’re beating ourselves. We can’t afford to have those mistakes and expect to win in this league.”
The Saints’ defense also struggled to apply consistent pressure on Jones, allowing the backup to settle in and find his rhythm against a secondary that failed to contain San Francisco’s explosive downfield threats.
Key Performances
-
Mac Jones (SF): 26-39, 279 yards, 3 TDs
-
Spencer Rattler (NO): 25-34, 206 yards, 3 TDs
-
Juwan Johnson (NO): 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD
-
Rashid Shaheed (NO): 4 receptions, 46 yards, 1 TD
-
Devaughn Vele (NO): 3 receptions, 38 yards, 1 TD
San Francisco’s defense also deserves recognition. While it allowed Rattler to post his best statistical outing, it clamped down in critical moments, most notably the strip-sack in the game’s closing minutes.
What It Means
The 49ers, winners of their first two contests, continue to display the depth and resilience that has kept them among the NFC’s elite. With Purdy’s health still uncertain, Jones proved he can steady the ship if called upon again.
For New Orleans, an 0-2 start under Moore is not insurmountable, but the path forward will require immediate improvement in discipline and late-game execution. Rattler’s progress is encouraging, yet the Saints must turn flashes into victories to avoid falling into a deeper hole in the NFC South.
“This team has fight, there’s no doubt,” Moore said. “But in this league, fight isn’t enough. You have to finish.”
The Saints will try to do just that next week as they continue their stretch against NFC West opponents.
