Rams-49ers Week 10: Kyle Shanahan pulling off his ‘finest coaching job’

A: The truth is, the 49ers are largely running the classic Shanahan offense, which Jones has always been a great fit for. As they did against the Rams in Week 5, the 49ers have focused their passing game on attacking the downfield and intermediate zones, trusting Jones to make the right throws with his speed as a handler. For the most part, he operated by consistently making accurate and anticipated throws through the middle of the field.

One thing that stands out is how well the 49ers have done at creating easy answers for Jones through spread moves and routes, using tools like these to consistently get Christian McCaffrey into open space out of the backfield. Jones made some amazing throws, but the easy buttons came regularly thanks to some basic tricks in Shanahan's bag.

Jones has also, unsurprisingly, excelled in the play-action game, which was especially effective last week against the New York Giants as the 49ers put together their best play of the season. With Purdy under center, the 49ers rely more on the pure drop concept and his ability to push the ball downfield and create outside the structure. The offense with Jones is more typical of Shanahan.

There's nothing to suggest that Jones' development as a quarterback isn't sustainable long-term. He is in an ideal position with the 49ers and is under contract for another year after this season. His performance this year could make him a popular target on the trade market, but any team considering moving him will need to understand his strengths and weaknesses. The 49ers didn't ask Jones to be something he's not, and that was critical to his success. For Jones to rise beyond San Francisco, it will likely require a similar ecosystem and offense for the team acquiring him.

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