What we learned as Mac Jones, 49ers gut out thrilling overtime win to stun Rams

Mac Jones and the 49ers came into SoFi Stadium on Thursday night as underdogs and walked out victors, gritting out a thrilling 26-23 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams.Jones, starting in place of injured quarterback Brock Purdy, came out firing on all cylinders and took a quick 14-0 lead on touchdown passes to tight end Jake Tonges and running back Christian McCaffrey in the first half. Jake Tonges strikes again for the lead pic.twitter.com/E5IzQMOYk1 — 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 3, 2025 The 49ers dominated the first quarter on both sides of the ball, outpacing the Rams in yards (140 to 7), time of possession (11:50 to 3:10) and first downs (10 to one).The 49ers’ defense allowed Stafford and Co. to score their first touchdown of the game in the second quarter, but Jones quickly answered back with a successful two-minute drill to end the half. The backup signal-caller successfully set up Eddy Pineiro’s 37-yard field goal to give San Francisco a 17-7 lead at the half.Jones fought through discomfort in his injured left knee during the third quarter and led the 49ers into the red zone, where Pineiro...