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.

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.

Not every martial art is the perfect fit for self-defense. Sure, some styles can be helpful in certain situations or with certain moves, but martial arts alone aren’t a complete solution.

Real self-defense involves more than techniques—it involves being aware of your surroundings, staying calm, and knowing how to act quickly.

That’s why it’s important to find martial arts that focus on practical skills you can use in real-life situations, not just in the dojo.

So, let’s explore which ones are best for keeping you safe.

1. Krav Maga 

Krav Maga was created by the Israeli military and focuses on real-life situations. Essentially, the goal is to stop threats quickly with aggressive, effective moves.

It teaches you to attack weak spots like the eyes, groin, and throat using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

A big part of Krav Maga is learning how to defend yourself against people with weapons, such as knives or guns, and how to handle multiple attackers.

At its core, it’s based on natural reactions and quick counterattacks, so it’s suitable even for beginners.

That said, it’s made for life-or-death situations, but the downside is that some schools don’t do enough hard practice, which can make the training less useful.

Still, when taught well, Krav Maga is great for self-defense.

2. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 

BJJ is all about grappling and ground fighting, focusing on submission holds that let you control someone without hurting them.

One of the best things about BJJ is that it relies on leverage and technique, which means a smaller person can take down a bigger, stronger opponent.

In self-defense, BJJ is super helpful when the fight ends on the ground, as it teaches you how to control and stop an attacker with joint locks and chokeholds.

However, BJJ has some limits. It’s mostly for one-on-one situations and ground fighting, so it’s not ideal for facing multiple attackers.

Plus, it doesn’t include strikes, which are important when you can’t immediately grapple.

Nonetheless, BJJ is considered one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense because it emphasizes control and technique.

3. Muay Thai 

Muay Thai, also called the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a striking martial art that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to overpower an opponent.

Notably, it’s especially good in close combat since it focuses on powerful hits, particularly with elbows and knees.

Muay Thai fighters practice a lot of full-contact sparring, which helps build mental strength and quick reactions in stressful situations.

For self-defense, Muay Thai’s clinch work—grabbing an opponent and hitting them with knee strikes—helps control an attacker.

While it doesn’t teach grappling or ground fighting, its powerful stand-up techniques are great for defending yourself before a fight hits the ground.

Not to mention, Muay Thai helps build physical strength and endurance, which can be handy in real-life confrontations.

4. Boxing 

Boxing is one of the easiest and most useful martial arts for self-defense, mainly due to the fact it focuses on punches, quick foot movement, and head dodging.

As you can imagine, these skills make it good for real-life fights. What’s more, a big part of boxing’s success is its focus on defense, like dodging punches, blocking hits, and striking back.

That way, you can stay protected while staying in control of the fight.

Boxing also teaches you to move and keep your distance from your opponent, which lets you control the fight’s speed.

Overall, it trains you to spot danger early and avoid it, which is important in street fights.

However, boxing doesn’t teach you grappling or kicking, so it’s best to combine it with other martial arts that cover those skills.

5. Wrestling 

Wrestling is a martial art that focuses on grabbing and controlling your opponent, making it very effective in self-defense, especially in close fights.

A good wrestler can quickly bring someone to the ground and hold them down, using body control instead of punches.

In fact, wrestling works well if you want to stop an attacker without hurting them too much.

The main strength of wrestling is its ability to control the fight once you’re on the ground, using moves like single-leg and double-leg takedowns to end the fight quickly.

Also, wrestling builds strength and stamina, which gives you an advantage in any physical fight.

However, wrestling doesn’t teach you how to punch or kick, so it works better when combined with a striking martial art like boxing or Muay Thai.

6. Judo 

In essence, Judo is another martial art that focuses on throws and submissions.

For self-defense, Judo’s throws are very useful because they use the attacker’s force against them.

Once the fight is on the ground, Judo fighters can use joint locks and chokeholds to control or stop the opponent, making it good for close combat.

Arguably, Judo’s best strength in a street fight is its ability to quickly take down an attacker with a throw, especially on hard surfaces.

On top of that, it teaches staying calm under pressure, which is helpful in real-world fights.

Like wrestling, Judo doesn’t focus on punching or kicking, so it’s often combined with martial arts that do.

7. Combat Sambo

Initially developed for military use, Combat Sambo is a Russian fighting style for soldiers and police. It combines Judo, boxing, and wrestling elements and focuses on self-defense.

What makes Combat Sambo unique is that it allows moves like groin strikes, headbutts, and leg locks, which are often not allowed in other martial arts.

Because of this, these moves are great for real-life situations, making Combat Sambo very flexible.

One important aspect of Combat Sambo is its flexibility. It lets people fight standing up or on the ground and defend against weapons.

Depending on the situation, people learn to use different moves, such as throws, joint locks, and strikes, to stop opponents.

However, finding good Combat Sambo schools outside Russia and Eastern Europe can take time and effort.

8. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

MMA is considered one of the best self-defense systems because it combines martial arts, such as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing.

As a result, this gives fighters a wide range of skills to use, whether they are standing or on the ground.

In self-defense, MMA’s mix of punches, kicks, grappling, and submissions makes it very adaptable, letting people control the fight in almost any situation.

Besides, MMA training focuses on being in great shape and using the moves in real fights.

Fighters practice with full contact, which helps them become mentally and physically demanding to use these moves under pressure.

Plus, MMA teaches fighters to defend themselves from both punches and grapples, making it one of the most effective systems for different self-defense situations.

9. Karate

Karate is a traditional martial art with styles like Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Kyokushin.

Kyokushin Karate is one of the best styles for self-defense because it uses full-contact sparring and body conditioning.

Additionally, it teaches strong punches, kicks, and blocks that work well in a street fight.

Also, Kyokushin fighters are known for being tough, as they can take hits and deliver strong strikes.

However, the usefulness of Karate for self-defense can depend on the style and the school.

Many modern Karate schools, sometimes called “McDojos,” focus more on scoring points and practicing forms, which might not be as helpful in real-life situations.

So, finding a school that focuses on real self-defense and sparring is important to get the most out of Karate for self-defense.

10. Taekwondo

Taekwondo is one of the most well-known martial arts in the world, famous for its high, fast kicks and quick footwork.

In terms of technique, it focuses on keeping a distance from an opponent, which can be very helpful in self-defense.

Moreover, the fast and strong kicks allow someone to stop an attacker before they get too close.

However, because Taekwondo is often used in competitions that focus on scoring points, it may not always be as useful in real-life situations.

Even so, Taekwondo training improves speed, agility, and flexibility, which can help in real-world scenarios.

The focus on using the legs, which are the longest and strongest limbs, gives a big advantage in reach.

In self-defense, it is important to react quickly and keep a distance, and Taekwondo’s strengths include these two abilities.

Nevertheless, Taekwondo fighters should add training in grappling or close-up striking to be more effective in close-range situations.

11. Keysi Fighting Method (KFM)

The Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) is a newer martial art created in the 1980s by Justo Dieguez.

Interestingly, it focuses on natural movements and real-world situations, making it great for self-defense in unexpected moments.

KFM is known for its focus on close-up fighting and protecting key areas like the head and body.

In addition, it’s designed to work well in tight spaces or when facing multiple attackers.

One of KFM’s core principles is its use of natural body movements and reflexes, which makes it accessible to people of all skill levels.

Notably, it was made with street fights in mind, focusing more on being practical than looking good.

KFM became more well-known after being featured in action movies like the Batman series, but its real strength is its adaptability and effectiveness in stressful, real-life situations.

12. Kung Fu (Wing Chun)

Wing Chun is a style of Kung Fu known for its fast, close-range strikes and practical defense tactics.

In fact, it was developed in southern China and is designed for fighting in tight spaces.

Wing Chun uses quick, direct movements to deal with an opponent and often combines attack and defense simultaneously, allowing you to neutralize a threat quickly.

Wing Chun focuses on efficient movements, using techniques like “trapping hands” (Chi Sau) to block an opponent’s attacks and create openings to strike.

Practitioners also use the centerline theory, aiming at an opponent’s middle for the most powerful hits.

Thus, Wing Chun is very effective for self-defense in small, confined areas, such as narrow hallways or elevators.

One limitation is that Wing Chun doesn’t have ground-fighting techniques, which could be a disadvantage in certain situations.

Many people combine Wing Chun with grappling styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling to achieve a more complete skill set.

Find the Best Martial Art for You and Stay Safe 

There’s no one-size-fits-all, so find what suits your style and needs. Explore different styles, try out classes, and find the one that makes you feel confident and prepared.

In reality, the best self-defense is about how comfortable and effective you feel using them when it counts.

So take the plunge, start training, and equip yourself with the skills to stay safe in any situation!

The New York Jets are putting together a solid team, and with Aaron Rodgers leading the way, they’re pushing to become serious Super Bowl contenders.

However, they might still need a top-tier wide receiver, and Davante Adams could be the missing piece.

As the NFL season heats up, rumors are swirling that Adams, a star for the Las Vegas Raiders, might be traded—and the Jets could be a perfect landing spot.

The Jets Have Big Super Bowl Dreams But Need One More Star

The Jets’ roster has drastically improved, especially after adding Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.

But if they want to maximize their chances of winning a Super Bowl, they might need one more piece before the trade deadline.

Despite a strong receiving corps, there are concerns about relying heavily on Mike Williams, who is returning from injury.

And let’s face it: a superstar like Davante Adams could make all the difference.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has predicted that the Las Vegas Raiders could indeed trade Adams, especially if the Raiders struggle to remain competitive.

Adams has been vocal about his frustration with the rumors regarding his status, but a trade could be on the horizon if the Raiders fall out of playoff contention.

What the Trade Might Look Like

• Jets Receive: WR Davante Adams
• Raiders Receive: 2025 1st Round Pick, 2026 3rd Round Pick, 2026 4th Round Pick, RB Israel Abanikanda

If the Jets want to make a serious push for the Super Bowl, bringing in a superstar like Adams would be a huge move—especially given his history with Rodgers.

The Rodgers-Adams Reunion: A Perfect Fit for the Jets

Adams and Rodgers had an incredible partnership when they played together in Green Bay, and they were one of the best quarterback-receiver duos in the league.

In fact, reuniting them in New York would instantly make the Jets’ offense even more dangerous.

The bond between Rodgers and Adams was built over years of playing together. As a result, Rodgers knows exactly where Adams will be on the field, and Adams understands how to get open for him.

Naturally, bringing them back together in New York would allow Rodgers to play at his best with a receiver who knows him inside and out.

Even at 32, Adams is one of the top wide receivers in the league. He runs sharp routes, makes tough catches in traffic, and has some of the best hands in football.

Rodgers trusts Adams, and that’s the kind of weapon the Jets need to make a deep playoff run.

Adding Adams to the team would give the Jets another reliable playmaker who could change games when it matters most.

Why Davante Adams Might Be Open to a Trade

While Adams has been vocal about denying trade rumors, a move to the Jets might appeal to him.

The Raiders’ offense hasn’t been consistent, and with Gardner Minshew as their quarterback, it’s unlikely Adams will be able to shine as much as he’s used to.

At this point in his career, Adams is focused on winning a championship.

The Raiders, with Minshew leading the offense, aren’t in a great position to make a deep playoff run.

A trade to the Jets, a team built to win right now, would allow Adams to go after a Super Bowl ring with a quarterback he knows can get the job done.

For the Raiders, trading Adams could make sense if they’re looking to rebuild.

By trading him, they could get valuable draft picks and young talent to help build their roster for the future.

While Adams is still playing at a high level, he could bring a solid return to help the Raiders in the long run.

What Adams Would Bring to the Jets’ Offense

There’s no question that adding Adams would take the Jets to a whole new level.

Pairing him with Garrett Wilson, their rising star receiver, could make this one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL.

This is mainly down to the fact that Adams and Wilson bring different strengths to the table.

Wilson is fast, agile, and makes plays after the catch, while Adams is a master at route running and winning tough, contested catches.

Together, they would create major problems for opposing defenses, who couldn’t focus on just one receiver.

Though bringing Adams in might mean fewer targets for Wilson, it would also keep defenses from focusing too much on him.

This could open the field for both players, making the Jets’ passing game even more dangerous.

Wilson’s potential for individual awards like Offensive Player of the Year may take a statistical hit, but the overall benefit to the team’s offense would be worth it.

Could This Trade Make the Jets Super Bowl Favorites?

If the Jets make a trade for Davante Adams, they could become serious Super Bowl contenders.

Reuniting him with Aaron Rodgers would give the Jets one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, and their already strong defense would make them tough to beat.

For Adams, it would be a chance to chase a championship, while the Raiders could start looking toward their future with fresh talent and draft picks.

So, watch the Jets and Raiders closely as the 2024-2025 NFL season moves forward. A trade involving Davante Adams could shift the power balance in the league and lead to an exciting playoff run for New York.

Julius Randle’s future with the New York Knicks is uncertain right now. With a big contract offer and rumors about him being a top trade option, things could go many ways.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes Randle’s current deal makes him a valuable trade asset, which could lead the Knicks to consider trading him to strengthen their team.

Let’s break down what’s happening and why Randle’s name keeps popping up in trade talks.

Julius Randle’s Contract Makes Him a Prime Trade Piece

The New York Knicks are facing a big decision with their All-Star power forward, Julius Randle.

He’s eligible for a big extension—four years worth $181.5 million—but after Jalen Brunson’s team-friendly deal, Randle might need to take a pay cut to keep the Knicks competitive.

But that’s not a guarantee, so the Knicks might be thinking about their options.

ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst believes Julius Randle is “extraordinarily tradeable.” But why might that be?

Because of his current four-year, $117 million contract, Randle’s salary of $29 million a year is seen as a great deal for what he brings to the team.

Also, Randle has a player option for $31 million next summer, which he’ll likely decline, making him a free agent.

“Because of that $29M salary, he’s extremely tradeable,” Windhorst said.

So, if they decide to pursue that path, the Knicks could trade Randle, acquire some draft picks, and still manage their salary cap smartly.

Can the Knicks Keep Randle Long-Term?

Randle is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the Knicks’ rise in recent years.

Despite missing part of last season due to a shoulder injury, his numbers were impressive—he averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Even though the Knicks made it to the second round of the playoffs without him, fans can’t help but wonder if they would’ve gone further with Randle in the lineup.

While Randle has helped turn the Knicks into a playoff contender, the team still has some gaps to fill, especially in the center position.

With Isaiah Hartenstein leaving for Oklahoma City, the Knicks only have Mitchell Robinson as their main big man.

So far, they haven’t been able to find another center in free agency, which could push them to explore trades.

If the Knicks want to land a big player without losing too many draft picks, Randle could be part of a trade package that helps them improve.

Right now, the Knicks aren’t actively trying to trade Randle, but things could change as the season goes on and his role becomes clearer.

For the time being, the team is focused on getting the most out of their current roster and chasing a championship.

Will Trading Randle Make The Knicks Weaker?

A big question for Knicks fans is whether trading Randle would weaken the team.

The Knicks have one of the best starting lineups in the NBA, with Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Mikal Bridges, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson covering all positions.

But losing Randle could be risky with tough teams like the Celtics and 76ers in the Eastern Conference.

At this point, the Knicks have built a strong core, including stars like Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges.

If Randle fits well with this group, the team could be one of the best in the East. But if they feel Randle doesn’t mesh as well, trading him might help them get stronger in positions where they’re weaker, especially at the center.

Windhorst also said that Randle’s $29 million contract and a couple of draft picks could help the Knicks trade for another star player.

“The Knicks do still have a couple of first-round picks they can move,” he added, which means they could use Randle and these picks to get someone who fits better with their lineup.

What’s Next for Julius Randle and the Knicks?

Randle’s future with the Knicks depends on his contract and how well he fits into the team’s plans. If he opts out of his contract next year, the Knicks might look to trade him rather than lose him in free agency.

Although, they could choose to extend his contract and keep him in the lineup.

However, with big contracts already given to players like Brunson and Anunoby, the Knicks must be careful about how much money they commit to Randle.

Windhorst mentioned that Randle has played well enough to deserve a bigger contract.

If he hits free agency, he’ll probably be looking for a pay raise that the Knicks may not be able to afford, especially with other players needing new deals soon.

Randle has been a huge part of the Knicks’ success, but the team might decide that trading him for players who better fit their future could be the right move.

As the season progresses and rumors heat up, Randle will be a player to watch.

While the Knicks haven’t made any moves yet, Randle’s performance and upcoming contract decisions will determine whether he stays or is traded to another team soon.