Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Sam Howell

Sunday, August 10, 5:33 AM

The San Francisco 49ers opened the preseason with the newly acquired Mac Jones under center. Jones made a good first impression on his new fanbase, captaining a 71-yard drive that culminated in a score. On the drive, Jones dropped a deep pass over the shoulder of Jordan Watkins, who stretched the play into a 50-yard gain. A few plays later, Jones kept the drive alive with his legs on a designed run on 4th & 1 at Denver's seven-yard line, setting the table for running back Patrick Taylor's touchdown. Things turned south during the second drive, however. Jones took sacks on consecutive plays and nearly suffered a third before throwing the ball away. The former first-rounder went on to kill the 49ers' third drive with an interception on his final play of the day. He finished 4-for-7 for 74 yards and the pick and a two-yard rush. His next chance to show what he can do in Brock Purdy's stead comes next week against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sunday, August 10, 9:40 AM

Quarterback Sam Howell played well in his Minnesota Vikings debut, completing 11 of 13 passing attempts for 105 yards and adding a rushing touchdown in a 20-10 victory against Houston. The former North Carolina star is now on his third team in three years after Minnesota traded for him during the NFL Draft, adding a veteran option behind presumptive starter J.J. McCarthy. Howell has the inside track on the No. 2 job over journeyman backup Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, and Howell certainly looked the part of a capable backup on Saturday.