​The San Francisco 49ers benefited from elite quarterback play against zone coverage in 2025, according to a chart from FTN Fantasy that measures defense-adjusted Value over Average (DVOA) against zone defenses. Backup quarterback Mac Jones ranked third in the league with a 25.7% DVOA against zone looks, while starting quarterback Brock Purdy was right behind him at fourth with a 25.4% mark, among players with at least 75 attempts. They trailed only Los Angeles Rams signal-caller Matthew Stafford (34.5%) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (29.1%), placing two 49ers quarterbacks inside the top four of the entire NFL.
The figures align with strong efficiency from both passers throughout the season. Successfully beating zone coverage typically demands anticipation and precise timing, and both Jones and Purdy demonstrated the ability to read soft spots and deliver the ball before pressure or the defense could close the window.
Jones was thrust into extended action due to multiple Purdy injuries in 2025, completing 201 of 289 attempts for a 69.6% completion rate, accruing 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions across eight games. His on-target rate stood at 79.1%. In his nine-start sample, Purdy was even more precise, completing 197 of 284 passes for a 69.4% completion rate and posting an 82.2% on-target rate, the best mark among all qualifying passers in the accuracy data. Purdy totaled 2,167 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on a 69.4% completion rate.
With Purdy back to a full-time role and Jones showing he can perform capably in relief, the 49ers’ quarterback situation appears more stable than in years past. This impression is reinforced by both quarterbacks ranking among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks against one of the league’s most common defensive shells. The 49ers’ offense benefits from a robust group of pass-catching options as well, including Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall, rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, and running back Christian McCaffrey, complemented by tight ends George Kittle and Jake Tonges. This depth provides versatility to exploit zones with a mix of skilled receivers and a dynamic tight end corps.
Note: This article originally appeared on Niners Wire and highlights the 49ers quarterbacks’ performance against zone defense in 2025 for SEO purposes.