QB Mac Jones Press Conference

QB Mac Jones

Press Conference – October 30, 2025

San Francisco 49ers

When you look at the Giants defense, what stands out to you about what they do?

“Yeah, they’re really good. I think the front’s obviously a really good front. They’ve got a lot of guys up there and play a lot of different coverages, so definitely going to be a challenge. And yeah, we’ve got to be ready to go.”

Do you feel a sense of urgency in practice this week? Head coach Kyle Shanahan talked about how he wanted everybody to come in with a chip on their shoulder.

“Yeah, I heard about that. I think that’s important. I think everybody has their own chip on their shoulder for different reasons, but as a team for sure. And we’ve got to be ready to practice today. Obviously, we’re doing media before practice, so we still have one practice today and one practice tomorrow and then Saturday. So, take it one day at a time. But, yesterday was good and just got to do that again today.”

Does it feel like you guys have a 5-3 record or does it feel like a losing record? You guys are winning this season, but it feels kind of back and forth.

“Yeah, for sure. I know what you’re saying. I learned that maybe the hard way. Just early on in my career, I would be frustrated if we didn’t win by like a lot of points or whatever. And I realized that winning in the NFL is so hard and it’s not like college when you’re going to win by like 40, 50 points or whatever. And every game typically comes down to the last quarter or a couple drives. So, we’ve been in that position like I talked about earlier and that’s my goal as a quarterback is be ready in those moments because quarters one through three are obviously important, but really the fourth quarter is where it’s all won. That’s the NFL. I’ve learned that. I’ve watched it, studied it, so I’m really just glad where we’re at. But also, you can’t be complacent at all. This is a big week for us. It’s one of those, you look at your record, you win and you’re in a good spot and you lose and you’re not in as good of a spot. So, we know that you’re trying to win every week. Definitely feel like we can do it and just have to go out there and execute.”

You overlapped with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll at Alabama your first year. What was he like as a coach and what did you learn from him in your first year there?

“He was awesome. He was the best. I think we spent a lot of time together. I was third-string and freshman and he was installing a new offense, so I didn’t really know much. So he was trying to see if I could learn the offense that he wanted to install and he did just such a good job of innovating for the player that was in. So, when [Philadelphia Eagles QB] Jalen [Hurts] played, he had quarterback runs and things like that. And then when [Miami Dolphins QB] Tua [Tagovailoa] played, he had a lot of RPOs and over the middle passing, so I learned as a young player how good he was at building his plan for the offense at the time and learned a lot about coverages and footwork and all that stuff. So, we obviously still talk and stuff and he’s a great coach and got a lot of respect for him.”

You overlapped with DL Keion White in New England. What can you tell us about him and what kind of player he is, what kind of guy he is?

“He’s quiet. But, he’s the man when you talk to him and get to know him, just a really down-to-earth guy. I remember when he was coming out from Georgia Tech, I’m friends with Coach [Georgia Tech head coach Brent] Key, the head coach there, and he was like, ‘you guys got a great player and he’s really quiet, so just try and get him used to the guys and stuff.’ And he did that and I think he’s just a great player that maybe the scheme didn’t fit him or whatever that may be. And I know he is excited for a fresh start and I think he’s going to be really good in this system. He’s a strong guy and I’m just looking forward to watching him grow. I’m sure right now he’s just trying to learn everybody’s names and learn where to walk and stuff. So, definitely figuring it out, but he’s a great dude.”

You had WR Jordan Watkins on the field for the first time and he drops the first one. Do you go to him right away and talk him up?

“Yeah, I think people always look at that. It’s like first game, whatever, like it doesn’t really matter to me. He’s done a good job in practice. As a rookie, I remember my first game too, like, you’re going to have your jitters and you might not be exactly where you want to be, and he’s trying to play catchup a little bit, but he has all the skills and he’s lining up right now in practice and doing the right stuff. So, that’s all I care about. And I told him, ‘it’s your first one, right, so don’t worry about your first game in general, whether it was really good or really bad, like just keep working and you’ll get more comfortable.’ And I really like his speed and what he did in college and some of those things are showing up in practice, so I’m definitely really excited about him.”

The team had a slow start in Houston, not to make excuses, but it was a 10:00 AM body start game. You’ve got another one coming up this week. What do those feel like from the perspective of a West Coast team and how do you start faster?

“It’s obviously my first experience this year doing that. And just talking to people and we have different things that we use and I feel like really you’ve just got to get the right amount of sleep for your time slot and get up and get ready to play. It’s not like, you can’t overthink it or underthink it, but at the end of the day you get your nine, 10, 11 hours of sleep and then obviously you travel early and I try not to get adjusted at the time. I just stay on my own clock here. But yeah, it’s a challenge and I think every team has to deal with it, whether you’re going east to west or west to east, so definitely want to be ready to play.”

You really get 11 hours of sleep before a start?

“(Laughter) Sometimes, yeah. Usually I sleep a lot. It’s just hard when you’re traveling, but if I can I definitely put my head on that pillow and try and get nine or 10 or 11.”

One of the storylines this week was the turf that’s at MetLife because this team, when they were back there about five years ago, there were a lot of injuries. You played on it. Do you have concerns about it and just memories of playing at MetLife?

“Yeah, I’ve played against both teams there. But I don’t know, I don’t really think about it. I think it’s turf and the field’s 100-yards long and 53-and-a-third wide, so I don’t really think about it like that. But, definitely every playing surface is different and I learned early in my career you want to get out there early and test your cleats and figure out do you want to wear this pair or that pair based on the surface. That’s all you can do. And I mean, I played on it multiple times and didn’t have any issues, so I think it’s a cool stadium and they’ve got a good fan base.”

You were listed on the injury report yesterday with knee/knee, double knee. WR Jauan Jennings might have you beat. He’s been listed most of the year with three different injuries. Obviously as you’ve gotten to know Jauan, what do you make of his ability to play through some significant stuff? What does he show you?

“Oh, he’s really tough. I really like Jauan. I think obviously we’re working through some things right now in terms of just trying to get him started in the games, but he comes out and works every day and he doesn’t complain. Like, we were talking about some of the plays in the game that maybe I missed him or he didn’t catch it or whatever, but it doesn’t matter, we’re on the same page. He’s running fast, I’m trying to get him the ball and we’re working together during practice. So, he’s done a great job rehabbing his injuries and I think he’s definitely getting better, like all of us are, each week. And I just really love the way he works and I think a lot of people look up to him in a way, like he’s played a lot of football and for him to be out there even when he doesn’t have to be out there, maybe, shows a lot about his character. So, I’m looking forward to just getting that chemistry going. We haven’t had a lot of reps together to be honest either. So, just working on that and I’m really excited for him. I know what he can do and I’ve seen him make really good plays in this offense.”