Kellen Moore and the New Orleans Saints don't have much time to lick their wounds after a close Week 1 loss against the Arizona Cardinals, as they need to prepare for a matchup against one of the deepest teams in the league in the San Francisco 49ers during Week 2.
While any 49ers offense led by recently extended quarterback Brock Purdy is going to be a formidable attack, the recent injury bug that has been going around San Francisco has led to Purdy developing left shoulder and foot injuries that could derail his ability to suit up against the Saints.
Purdy has been called a "long shot" to play in San Francisco's Week 2 matchup against the Saints, which could force former New England Patriots first-round pick Mac Jones into the starting lineup. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has to be licking his lips after watching this unfold.
Sainst may not face 49ers QB Brock Purdy in Week 2
In addition to Purdy sitting this game out, San Francisco will be without tight end George Kittle and top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Running back Christian McCaffrey played in their Week 1 win against the Seattle Seahawks, but he has been dealing with a nagging injury.
Jones spent 2024 filling in for an injured Trevor Lawrence on his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags went 2-5 in games Jones started (both wins were against the 3-14 Titans, one of them was by a 10-6 scoreline). Jones would finish the year with eight touchdown passes and eight interceptions.
While the hiring of Staley as DC made some eyebrows raise after the poor ending to his Los Angeles Chargers head coaching tenure, the fact that he limited a very promising Cardinals offense with weapons in both the backfield and wide receiver room to just 20 points speaks to the fact that his unit might be equipped to give Jones hell.
While Jones could be a problem for New Orleans if he is able to effectively operate Kyle Shanahan's very creative scheme, a coach like Staley (who had success against Shanahan in the past with the Los Angeles Rams) could cook up a masterful game plan that helps Moore land his first coaching win.