The San Francisco 49ers didn't just win on Monday night – they spoiled the party for Aaron Rodgers' much-anticipated return with the New York Jets. In Rodgers’ first game since tearing his left Achilles almost a year ago, the defending NFC champions delivered a dominant performance, taking home a 32-19 victory. This was a statement win for the 49ers, and even more impressive was how they did it—without their star running back, Christian McCaffrey, who was unexpectedly ruled out just before kickoff.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the key moments and takeaways from Monday's game, and why it felt like more than just a season opener for both teams.
San Francisco 49ers: Flexing Depth and Dominance (1-0)
Christian McCaffrey’s absence caught everyone off guard, especially after he mentioned as late as Friday that he was confident about playing, despite lingering calf and Achilles issues. So, when the news hit 90 minutes before the game that McCaffrey was ruled out, fans were understandably concerned. Yet, in true 49ers fashion, they showed their depth and resilience.
Enter Jordan Mason, a backup running back who had never played more than 27 offensive snaps in a single game. Talk about stepping up when your name is called! Mason looked like a seasoned pro, despite this being his first start in his three-year NFL career. He was a bulldozer on the field, slashing through the Jets' defense as if he’d been doing it for years. By the time the game wrapped, Mason had racked up 28 carries for a whopping 147 yards and a touchdown. Not only that, but he also became the sixth Niner since 1970 to record over 100 rushing yards in his debut start.
What’s even more exciting is that Mason isn't just some random success story. He’s the 10th undrafted 49er to rush for 100-plus yards since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017, making San Francisco the most successful team in this category over that span. It’s clear the 49ers have built a system that allows their talent, even the unheralded guys, to thrive.
A 49ers Identity in Full Display
Once the Niners got past a slow first quarter, they were in complete control of the game. They physically overwhelmed the Jets on both sides of the ball. Mason’s performance, along with an airtight defense, set the tone for a night of dominance. The 49ers managed to own the time of possession with a significant 38:40 to 21:20 advantage, wearing down the Jets defense over the course of the game.
With McCaffrey out, all eyes were on Brock Purdy to see how he would handle the pressure. He didn’t need to do much, as Mason and the running game did most of the heavy lifting. However, Purdy still delivered when it mattered. His stats—19-of-29 for 231 yards—don’t tell the whole story, as a few costly drops, including one from wideout Brandon Aiyuk that would have been a touchdown, left points on the table.
Despite that, Purdy remained efficient and poised, executing in key moments like when he ripped a pass to Jauan Jennings on second-and-19 late in the second quarter. That 22-yard completion set up a touchdown just a few plays later, giving the 49ers a lead they would never surrender.
Defensive Overhaul: A Promising Sign
One of the most exciting developments from Monday’s game was the resurgence of the 49ers’ run defense. Last season, San Francisco’s run defense struggled, especially down the stretch, allowing 4.8 yards per carry—ranking 30th in the NFL from Week 14 through the Super Bowl. The offseason saw significant changes aimed at fixing that, including hiring Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator and bringing in big defensive line reinforcements like Maliek Collins, Jordan Elliott, and Leonard Floyd.
Those moves paid off on Monday, as the 49ers held the Jets to just 68 yards on 19 carries—an average of 3.6 yards per attempt. It’s early in the season, but it’s clear that the 49ers’ defensive unit is trending in the right direction.
New York Jets: Rodgers Returns, but the Defense Disappoints (0-1)
For the New York Jets, this game was supposed to be all about Aaron Rodgers’ comeback. Nearly a year removed from a devastating Achilles injury, Rodgers was expected to revitalize a Jets team that had struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. However, while Rodgers delivered some vintage moments, including a beautiful 36-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard, the rest of the team, particularly the defense, let the night slip away.
The Jets defense, which had been the cornerstone of their 2023 campaign, was uncharacteristically porous. After taking an early 7-3 lead, the Jets allowed the 49ers to score on eight consecutive drives. Eight. For a team built on its defense, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Rodgers' Performance: Flashes of Brilliance
Rodgers, despite the loss, had some bright spots. He finished the game 13-for-21 with 167 yards, throwing that impressive touchdown pass to Lazard on what’s known as a "free play"—his 18th career touchdown pass in such a situation. Still, there were moments of rust, including a deflected pass that was intercepted, and his mobility wasn’t quite where it used to be, as he was sacked once and pressured throughout the game.
One of the most glaring issues for the Jets was the lack of a reliable No. 2 option in the passing game. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson started hot, hauling in four catches in the first 11 minutes. But then, mysteriously, he wasn’t targeted again until the third quarter, which ended in an interception. Lazard did score late in the game, but that was more of a consolation touchdown when the result was already out of reach.
Jets Defense: A Troubling Trend
The Jets’ defensive line, once considered one of the strongest units in the league, was pushed around all night. Without strongside end John Franklin-Myers, who was traded in the offseason, and with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw having a quiet game, the 49ers ran for 180 yards, most of it between the tackles. Even with a formidable front seven, the Jets couldn’t slow down Mason, and their pass rush lacked the punch needed to disrupt Purdy. The absence of holdout Haason Reddick certainly didn’t help, and it raises concerns about the team’s depth moving forward.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next?
For the 49ers, the outlook is bright. With two upcoming games on artificial surfaces, the team is unlikely to rush McCaffrey back, especially after seeing Mason’s impressive performance. If San Francisco’s defense continues to lock down opponents the way it did Monday night, the 49ers will be a tough out for anyone this season.
For the Jets, it’s back to the drawing board. They need to figure out how to get more out of their passing game beyond Rodgers and Wilson, and the defense has to return to its dominant form if they hope to compete in a stacked AFC. If not, the calls to bring in someone like Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders will only get louder.
Final Thoughts
Monday night was a game of contrasts. The 49ers showed why they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, while the Jets still have a lot of questions to answer.
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