The San Francisco 49ers ran the New York Jets into submission Monday, winning their Week 1 matchup 32-19. The Niners’ dominant showing spoiled the re-debut of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who lasted only four plays for the team last season before he tore an Achilles. Rodgers finished Monday’s game healthy, completing 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Tyrod Taylor replaced him for New York’s final drive with the game out of hand.
McCaffrey's Absence, Mason's Rise
Third-year running back Jordan Mason, starting in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey, made sure the 49ers didn’t miss their star player. He ran for 147 yards on 28 carries, scoring one touchdown. Mason averaged 5.3 yards per carry and even caught a pass for good measure. “This is just the beginning,” he said on ESPN. “We’ll see where we go from here.”
McCaffrey's Injury
McCaffrey has dealt with a calf and Achilles injury since the early days of training camp. The expectation, though, was that McCaffrey would be able to get back in time for Monday's game. On Friday, McCaffrey even said he was hopeful he would get his usual heavy workload. But even after participating on a limited basis in four practices this week, McCaffrey was ruled out against the Jets about 90 minutes before the game as one of their six inactives. The Niners listed McCaffrey as questionable against the Jets even after teammates and coaches had expressed optimism about his chances to play and contribute something close to his usual level.
A Dominant Offensive Showing
San Francisco dominated the time of possession, controlling the ball for 38 minutes and 40 seconds. The 49ers scored on eight straight offensive possessions before they knelt on their final drive. They ran 70 plays compared with the Jets’ 49.
A Disappointing Night for the Jets
The Jets were plagued by a poor run game and some ill-timed drops on offense. As a team, New York ran for only 68 yards on 19 rushing attempts. And half of those yards came on the team’s final, Taylor-led drive.
What's Next?
San Francisco will play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. The Jets will stay on the road to face the Tennessee Titans.
The 49ers' Reload for Another Super Bowl Run
The San Francisco 49ers have reloaded for another run to a Super Bowl and will kick off their 2024 season with a Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Jets. New York is looking to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1969. The Jets (7-10), third in the AFC East, were 3-2 against NFC opponents in 2023. The 49ers (12-5), who won the NFC West, were 2-3 against the AFC a season ago.
The Key Matchup
The Jets feature one of the game’s most versatile running backs. The 49ers’ hopes of slowing down Breece Hall will be a team effort, but a lot of the responsibility will fall onto the shoulders of three-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. “I think he’s one of the best backs in the league, just from watching him,” Warner said of Hall. “I haven’t played against him yet. He’s so dynamic with his ability to hit the home run with his speed.”
A Pivotal Week for the 49ers
Following a lengthy holdout that lasted all of training camp, 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension, keeping him in San Francisco after an offseason that included a trade request and reportedly a potential move to Pittsburgh. The 49ers this week also ensured Brock Purdy will be protected deep into the future by signing star left tackle Trent Williams to a three-year, $82.66 million deal. Williams will make $27.65 million annually, the most among left tackles.
The Jets' Big Game
The Jets will open the season on “Monday Night Football” for the second straight season. New York just hopes this game goes better than last season’s. In that matchup against the Bills, Rodgers tore his Achilles only four plays in and would not return to a game. Rodgers, the 40-year-old former MVP and Super Bowl winner, said he feels confident entering the year. “I’m in a good mind space,” he said. “I really had a year to remember in a lot of ways — some really difficult things, but some great things, as well. There’s always a perspective moment during the anthem to collect your thoughts and send gratitude out there to the universe for the opportunity to be standing on the field in pads. I’ll be really excited about that.”
