Ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showdown with the San Francisco 49ers, there could be a QB controversy looming.
Mac Jones and Brock Purdy have both looked solid for the 49ers through five weeks. Purdy led the team on a game winning drive against the Seahawks in week 1, but missed games 2, 3, and 5 with an injury to his toe.
In relief, Mac Jones is 3-0, and has been a revelation in the San Francisco offense.
The 49ers are 4-1, owning the same record as Tampa, and both teams have been winning in similar ways. Keeping the games close, controlling the line of scrimmage, and making the clutch plays they needed to make. This game could definitely go either way Sunday.
That's why, while San Francisco fans are debating who the better quarterback is, Tampa Bay needs to hope the worse quarterback gets the start.
While Mac Jones is undefeated so far, he is probably still the weaker option at the position. Purdy was an MVP finalist in 2023 and led his team to the Super Bowl. Jones was benched by New England in 2023, and while he is in the argument as the league's top backup quarterback, he's still not long-term starter material. Just like it did in New England, where Jones reached the playoffs in year one before fizzling out in year three, the bubble will burst on Mac Jones in San Francisco.
There's a chance it bursts this weekend against a good Tampa Bay squad that will no doubt be putting as much pressure they can on whoever gets the start for the 49ers.
So far, all the reporting has indicated Purdy is still the starter, meaning the only way Jones gets the start is if Purdy is injured.
Considering Purdy did not practice Wednesday, it does look like there is a good chance Jones will make his fourth start of the season against Tampa Bay.
While that is probably the best option for Tampa, the Buccaneers still need to take advantage. It's always a gift when you get to play against a backup quarterback. Tampa Bay almost allowed Jets' backup Tyrod Taylor to hand them a loss at home. The 49ers are a much better team than the Jets. Whether Jones or Purdy, they'll come to play, and it will be up to Tampa Bay to make the plays and take care of business.