During the San Francisco 49ers” Week 9 encounter with the New York Giants, head coach Kyle Shanahan displayed clear frustration towards quarterback Mac Jones, but it wasn”t due to a poor throw.
Shanahan”s annoyance arose from Jones putting himself in a precarious position during a short-yardage situation. This incident occurred in the fourth quarter during an essential 3rd-and-1 play. Jones handed the ball off to running back Christian McCaffrey, who fought through several Giants defenders near the first-down marker. Instead of remaining out of the fray, Jones rushed in to assist McCaffrey in pushing across the line for the crucial first down.
Shanahan was not pleased with Jones” decision-making on that play. “Kyle always yells at me on the headset whenever I do that, but it”s just kind of how my competitiveness is,” Jones remarked with a chuckle, finding humor in the situation. “If it”s close, I”ve seen it so many times where there”s like a pile of people, and then it kind of goes the other way, and then the refs like spot it like five yards back.”
Jones recalled a similar moment from his rookie season, where he pushed the pile and was able to score. “I did one my rookie year, where I pushed the pile in, and that”s where I got it from. We scored on it, and I was like, “Alright, well, I might as well help.” It”s another 225 pounds sometimes more, depending on my diet, but if I can get that momentum behind it and the offensive line”s doing it, I might as well jump in there and try.”
Currently, Jones is starting in place of Brock Purdy, who is recovering from a turf toe injury. In his seven starts this season, Jones has recorded 1,832 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions—numbers that Shanahan appreciates as the team deals with various injuries. Nonetheless, the head coach is focused on ensuring his backup quarterback stays healthy.
“So, I definitely have to be safe about it, but it”s just competitiveness,” Jones admitted, acknowledging the balance he needs to strike. When asked if he could recall what Shanahan yelled during the moment, Jones laughed again and replied, “I wish. It”s a lot of gibberish. I can”t really hear it all.”
