49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers’ return to Jets in dominant win

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers spoiled Aaron Rodgers’ comeback occasion with the New York Jets on Monday, beating the quarterback in his first sport since tearing his left Achilles practically one yr in the past.

The defending NFC champs opened up their season with a 32-19 win over New York, they usually did it with out star operating again Christian McCaffrey — who was surprisingly dominated out proper earlier than kickoff.

The 49ers had been in a position to stifle Rodgers and the Jets whereas dominating the time of possession 38:40 to 21:20.

Listed below are crucial issues to know from Monday night time for each groups:

As just lately as Friday, McCaffrey mentioned he had no doubts that he was going to play Monday regardless of his calf and Achilles accidents. Which is why it was a shock when McCaffrey was dominated out 90 minutes earlier than kickoff.

However McCaffrey’s absence additionally created a chance for backup Jordan Mason — who had by no means performed greater than 27 offensive snaps in a sport — to start out for the primary time in his three NFL seasons. Irrespective of, as Mason seemed the a part of a 10-year veteran operating round, getting previous and over Jets defenders all night.

By the point Mason’s work was completed, the primary have a look at the 2024 Niners bared a placing resemblance to San Francisco groups of current classic. After a little bit of a gradual begin within the first quarter, the 49ers flipped the swap and bodily dominated the Jets on either side of the ball.

It was Mason who set the tone. He completed with profession highs in carries (28) and yards (147). He added a landing and have become the sixth Niner since 1970 to submit 100-plus dashing yards in his first profession begin with the staff.

The 2022 undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech additionally grew to become the tenth undrafted 49er to hurry for 100-plus yards in a sport since coach Kyle Shanahan took over in 2017, probably the most within the NFL in that span.

It is unclear what number of video games McCaffrey will miss, although with the following two on synthetic surfaces (at Minnesota Vikings and at Los Angeles Rams), the Niners aren’t going to hurry him again, and Mason provided loads of reassurance that they do not need to.

QB breakdown: With the operating sport rolling, the 49ers did not want a lot from Brock Purdy. However he nonetheless delivered when wanted, and his efficiency would have been higher had it not been for some pricey drops, together with on the finish of first half when wideout Brandon Aiyuk dropped a would-be landing. Purdy completed 19-of-29 for 231 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Promising development: The 49ers’ run protection struggled down the stretch in 2023, giving up 4.8 yards per carry (thirtieth within the NFL) from Week 14 via the Tremendous Bowl. They tried to right that within the offseason by hiring Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator and allocating assets to extra huge our bodies on the defensive position reminiscent of tackles Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott and finish Leonard Floyd.

Perhaps it is a bit early to name it a development, however the early returns had been good Monday as San Francisco restricted the Jets to 68 yards on 19 carries, a median of three.6 yards per try.

Pivotal play: With 8:56 left within the second quarter, the Niners trailed 13-6 and confronted a second-and-19 from New York’s 39 after a holding penalty worn out an 18-yard run from Mason.

Given a clear pocket and time to throw, Purdy ripped a throw to large receiver Jauan Jennings operating a deep crosser. Jennings hauled it in for a acquire of twenty-two and a primary down. The Niners scored three performs later and by no means relinquished the lead. — Nick Wagoner

Subsequent sport: at Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

It took a yr longer than anticipated, however the Jets lastly received to expertise nearly a full sport with Rodgers. Sadly, their protection didn’t rise to the event and hindered any probability of a triumphant return for Rodgers. The Jets led briefly 7-3 then allowed eight — sure, eight — straight scoring drives.

The Jets turned the 49ers’ Mason into the nation’s hottest new title for fantasy homeowners after his huge efficiency.

One of many causes Rodgers wished to play for the Jets was their formidable protection, which saved them in most video games final season as they endured a quarterback roulette.

This sport received away from them, nonetheless, and coach Robert Saleh waved the white flag with 4:32 left, pulling Rodgers in favor of Tyrod Taylor. And Rodgers nonetheless hasn’t performed a whole sport in a Jets uniform.

QB breakdown: Rodgers (13-for-21, 167 yards) delivered a number of classic moments, together with a 36-yard landing go to Allen Lazard. That got here on a free play, his 18th profession landing go on free performs.

Rodgers threw the ball effectively, particularly on three straight third-down conversations within the first quarter. His worst throw was a deflected go that was intercepted. His mobility was so-so, as he was sacked as soon as and was underneath duress at occasions. Contemplating the lengthy layoff and rust, this was a good efficiency by the 40-year-old signal-caller.

Greatest gap within the sport plan: Huge receiver Garrett Wilson was on fireplace initially, with 4 catches within the first 11 minutes. Then he disappeared. He wasn’t focused once more till the third quarter, and that resulted in an interception. The Rodgers-to-Wilson connection went chilly, and so did the complete offense.

The shortage of a constant No. 2 possibility within the passing sport loomed giant. Lazard’s 36-yard rating late within the third quarter was the primary offensive contact by a participant apart from Wilson or operating again Breece Corridor. Huge receiver Mike Williams, in his first sport since ACL surgical procedure, performed solely a handful of snaps and was a nonfactor. Tight finish Tyler Conklin had no targets. Lazard was in a position to catch one other meaningless landing late from Taylor, but when the struggles proceed when issues matter, the decision to commerce for Las Vegas Raiders wideout Davante Adams will get louder and louder.

Troubling development: The Jets’ defensive entrance, the supposed energy of the unit, received pushed round within the operating sport. Clearly, the Jets missed strongside finish John Franklin-Myers (traded within the offseason). Huge defensive deal with Javon Kinlaw was alleged to make a distinction, however he had a quiet night time. All informed, New York allowed 180 yards on the bottom, most of it between the tackles. Holdout Haason Reddick in all probability would not have helped the run protection, however he would’ve spiced up the lukewarm go rush.

Troubling development, Half II: Curiously, All-Professional cornerback Sauce Gardner was on the sideline for 9 snaps within the second quarter. After the sport, he mentioned that he took himself out as a result of he received the wind knocked out of him on a deal with. His absence was pricey, as Brock Purdy accomplished 6 of 6 passes with out Gardner on the sector. — Wealthy Cimini

Subsequent sport: at Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)