The San Francisco 49ers showed why they are a Super Bowl favorite, defeating the New York Jets by a score of 32-19 in Week One. Despite playing without Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers spoiled Take Two of Aaron Rodgers’ debut as a Jet.
At one point, the 49ers had eight straight possessions where their offense scored. To do that against New York’s top-rated defense is impressive and puts the rest of the NFC on notice. It was also worrisome for the Jets defense. The unit, which has been the strength for New York, was pushed around all game long and could not get off the field to give Rodgers the opportunity to lead a comeback.
Sustaining Drives
San Francisco held the ball for roughly 39 minutes, compared to 21 for the Jets. The 49ers had 70 plays, compared to 49 for New York, and San Francisco only punted once. Being on the field so long wore down the Jets defense. Following the game, Jets coach Robert Saleh said the 49ers were, “Very good upfront from an efficiency standpoint. They beat us, plain and simple.”
San Francisco’s Jordan Mason had the most rushing yards in a game since he was in high school. With McCaffrey out, he made the most of his opportunity. Mason finished with 147 yards on 28 carries with a touchdown. In total, San Francisco ran for 180 yards.
Quarterback Brock Purdy led the efficient attack for the 49ers. He completed 19 of 29 passes, for 231 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 49ers offense did not turn the ball over. Jajuan Jennings led San Francisco with five catches for 64 yards, and Deebo Samuel had five catches for 54 yards.
On the other side, the Jets offense was not able to sustain drives long enough, which was an issue that plagued the team last year. Of their first five drives, three ended in three-and-out’s, there was a fumble (on the first play of that drive), and a 12-play touchdown drive sandwiched in.
A solid running game is a key to sustaining drives. The Jets ran for only 68 yards, as Breece Hall carried 16 times for 54 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers threw 21 passes, completing 13 of them for 167 yards. Only two receivers (Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson) caught passes, with each catching six in the game.
Cornerbacks Injured or Benched?
All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner missed about 10 plays in this game. He was seen on the sideline, but not being tended to by medical staff. After the game, Saleh said Gardner was not injured, as he “Was just trying to catch his breath.” Though the 49ers won the time of possession battle by a wide margin, the Jets had a pretty grueling training camp that should have meant the team was in good shape. So, it is perplexing that Gardner would be on the sideline that long. He appeared a bit shaken after a tackle on Samuel, but did return later in the game.
Fresh off his contract extension, nickel back Michael Carter II was also injured but did not return to the game. Afterward, Saleh said, “Michael could have finished the game. We just held him.” This follows an ankle injury that kept Carter out for a significant amount of training camp.
Fourth Play Curse?
The Jets 2024 season began similar to how 2023’s did. A season full of promise starts with a big loss, though they were very different kinds of losses. Last year, it had nothing to do with the game. It was the Achilles injury to Hall of Fame quarterback Rodgers, whose first season with the Jets ended four plays into his tenure. This year, Rodgers made it through the game healthy; however, the fourth play proved to be a hint of what was to come. Hall fumbled the ball, and the 49ers eventually converted that turnover to the game’s first points. This became a microcosm of what happened throughout the game.
In 2023, the Jets won their first game but lost a Hall of Fame quarterback for the season. In 2024, the Jets lost their first game but at least the quarterback is healthy.
Rodgers overall was solid in his second attempt at his Jets debut. He didn’t finish the game, as backup Tyrod Taylor entered with about four minutes left to take the garbage time snaps. The first touchdown pass by Rodgers as a Jet was a 36-yard pass to Lazard. Lazard would also catch a fourth quarter touchdown from Taylor to finish with six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers also threw his first interception as a Jet.
All-in, the Jets will take this year’s fourth play result vs. last year’s. Though Week One in 2023 was an exciting win against the Bills, the Jets escape Week One of 2024 with their roster mostly intact despite an 0-1 record. Saleh stated, “There were a lot of promising things, but in all three phases we need to be better.”
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