The San Francisco 49ers opened their 2024 season with a 32-19 win over the New York Jets.
All eyes were on Aaron Rodgers, making his return to the field after last year’s Achilles injury, but it was the 49ers who stole the show.
Backup running back Jordan Mason led the way, filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey, while the defense made life tough for the Jets pretty much all game.
- In the absence of Christian McCaffrey, Mason shined with a career-high 147 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- Despite a 36-yard touchdown, Rodgers and the Jets struggled to keep pace, and their defense faltered.
- San Francisco held the Jets to 68 rushing yards, proving their defensive upgrades are paying off.
Mason Shines as McCaffrey Misses Out Due to Injury
The big surprise came right before the game when the 49ers announced Christian McCaffrey wouldn’t be playing due to a calf injury.
Understandably, fans worried this would hurt the 49ers’ offense, but backup running back Jordan Mason quickly put those fears to rest.
Mason carried the ball 28 times for 147 yards, breaking tackles and setting the tone for the 49ers’ ground game.
His five-yard touchdown early in the third quarter capped an 11-play drive that helped widen the lead.
And this impressive outing made Mason the sixth Niner since 1970 to rack up over 100 rushing yards in his first career start. With that kind of performance, he solidified his role as a key contributor while McCaffrey was sidelined.
As a result, the 49ers did not rush McCaffrey back, and Mason reassured the team they could maintain their offensive potency.
With upcoming games on artificial surfaces, McCaffrey’s return is still uncertain, but Mason’s performance gave the 49ers confidence that they can succeed without him for now.
Brock Purdy Steers the Ship as 49ers’ Defense Stifles Jets
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy had a solid but unspectacular game, completing 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards.
While he didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions, he played smart and made key throws when the team needed them.
His numbers could have been even better, but a few dropped passes—including one by Brandon Aiyuk—kept him from padding his stats.
On the defensive side, the 49ers suffocated the Jets’ running game, holding them to 68 rushing yards.
And let’s be honest: this was a huge improvement from last season when San Francisco’s defense struggled against the run late in the year.
The Jets averaged only 3.6 yards per carry, and the 49ers’ defensive front, led by newcomers like Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd, controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game.
Given the 49ers’ offseason adjustments, this defensive stand was especially important. Head coach Kyle Shanahan had made stopping the run a priority, and the results were clear.
In fact, the team’s improvements were on full display as they dominated the time of possession, controlling the ball for 38:40 minutes compared to the Jets’ 21:20.
Aaron Rodgers’ Return Falls Short Amid Offensive Struggles
In his first game back from a devastating Achilles injury, Aaron Rodgers showed flashes of his former self but could not lead a full Jets comeback.
He completed 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown to former Green Bay teammate Allen Lazard.
That touchdown, which came on a free play after drawing an offsides penalty, briefly gave the Jets hope, but it was not enough to overcome San Francisco’s lead.
Unfortunately for the Jets, their offense struggled to find a rhythm after scoring their first touchdown early in the game.
And despite an impressive drive in the first quarter, the offense failed to maintain momentum, mainly due to a lack of consistent targets.
After an early burst of action, star receiver Garrett Wilson had four catches in the opening 11 minutes but faded from the game plan afterward. Rodgers targeted him only once in the second half, and that pass was intercepted.
To make matters worse, the Jets also struggled with the lack of a reliable No. 2 receiving option.
Lazard’s 36-yard score in the third quarter was a surprise, as it marked the first time any player other than Wilson or running back Breece Hall touched the ball on offense.
At the same time, tight end Tyler Conklin had no targets, and other receiving threats like Mike Williams were non-factors.
Jets’ Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Rodgers was counting on the Jets’ defense to provide support, but it failed to live up to its 2023 form.
San Francisco’s offense moved the ball at will throughout the game, especially on the ground, as the Jets allowed 180 rushing yards.
Adding to their challenges, the absence of former defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who was traded in the offseason, loomed large.
Meanwhile, the team’s run defense struggled to fill the gaps, with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw failing to make an impact.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh pulled Rodgers from the game late in the fourth quarter, signaling the end with just under five minutes left.
Afterward, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor came in and tossed a late touchdown, but by then, the damage was already done.
While Rodgers had some vintage moments, including his 18th career touchdown pass on a free play, he admitted there was much to improve after the game. So, the team must adjust quickly if they hope to rebound in the coming weeks.
As for San Francisco, the 49ers’ win showed they’re ready for another playoff run, even without McCaffrey.
In particular, Jordan Mason’s breakout game and the defense’s ability to shut down the Jets gave San Francisco plenty to feel good about.
Long story short, the Jets and Aaron Rodgers still have much to figure out if they want to compete this season.
