In the first Monday Night Football game of the 2024 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers faced the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The 49ers secured a 32-19 win, marking their first season opener at home since 2020. Despite the absence of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, who is recovering from a calf/Achilles injury sustained early in training camp, the 49ers delivered a strong performance across all three phases of the game. This comprehensive effort led to a prime-time win, setting a positive tone for the year.
Here’s What We Learned From Monday Night’s 49ers’ Impressive Win Over The Jets
Jordan Mason Shines In Christian McCaffrey’s Absence
Christian McCaffrey’s unexpected absence from the lineup created significant concern for the 49ers, as he was listed as inactive due to a calf and Achilles injury. Before the game, he had been listed as questionable, leading many to wonder how the 49ers would perform against the Jets’ formidable defense. Coach Kyle Shanahan, renowned for his ability to elevate the performance of lesser-known players, turned to Jordan Mason.
Mason stepped up admirably, rushing for 147 yards and scoring a touchdown on 28 carries. His robust performance was a crucial factor in the 49ers’ success, contributing to a dominant time of possession advantage (38:40 compared to 21:20). Mason’s impact was not only felt on the ground but also in maintaining offensive balance, as the 49ers’ passing game, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, efficiently utilized six different targets. Mason’s performance highlighted his potential to join the ranks of other successful 49ers running backs like Raheem Mostert, Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson, and Matt Breida.
Also Read: Christian McCaffrey Injury: Will The 49ers Star RB Play In Week 2 Of 2024 NFL Season?
Jets’ Defense Falters
The Jets’ defense, a hallmark of the Robert Saleh era, failed to deliver against the 49ers. Historically, the Jets’ defense had been a dependable force, often compensating for their quarterback struggles. However, in this game, the defense struggled significantly. The 49ers accumulated 401 yards of offense and orchestrated a series of long, methodical drives. Five of their nine possessions lasted at least nine plays, and four covered over 70 yards.
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The Jets’ defense was unable to contain these drives effectively. Despite a relatively modest 6-for-13 conversion rate on third downs by the 49ers, San Francisco’s superior game planning and execution were evident. The Jets’ pass rush, which totaled only 10 pressures, was ineffective, exacerbated by the absence of holdout Haason Reddick. The 49ers exploited these weaknesses with well-designed plays and precise execution, leading to their dominant offensive performance.
Kyle Shanahan’s Masterful Game Plan
Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling was a crucial factor in the 49ers’ victory. From the third possession of the game, Shanahan displayed his strategic insight. He mixed various run concepts effectively and employed creative plays to challenge the Jets’ defense.
A standout moment came with a well-designed wheel route for fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Despite a missed opportunity earlier where Purdy failed to connect with a wide-open Juszczyk, Shanahan adjusted and successfully targeted him for a 34-yard reception down the left sideline in the third quarter. This play exemplified Shanahan’s ability to adapt and exploit defensive weaknesses. His game plan ensured the 49ers maintained control, continually outmaneuvering the Jets and showcasing his offensive mastery. Shanahan’s innovative approach and strategic execution were crucial in securing a convincing win.
Aaron Rodgers Provides A Glimpse Of Potential
Aaron Rodgers, returning after a season-ending injury last year, offered a glimpse of what the Jets’ offense could become. Despite an early mishap, with Breece Hall fumbling on their fourth snap, Rodgers quickly rebounded. He led the Jets on an impressive 12-play, 70-yard drive that featured two critical third-down completions to Garrett Wilson and ended with a three-yard touchdown run by Hall. This drive was widely praised, with social media reacting positively and suggesting it might be the best Jets possession in a decade or more. However, the rest of the game presented challenges for the Jets.
They faced two consecutive three-and-outs, and a 16-point deficit limited their offensive opportunities. Rodgers was only allowed 21 passing attempts, which restricted his ability to show his skills fully. Nonetheless, the drive highlighted the potential of the Jets’ offense under Rodgers’ leadership and provided hope for future performances.
New York’s Measuring Stick
The Jets, entering the season with high expectations, faced a harsh reality check against the 49ers. Despite Aaron Rodgers’ triumphant return and a strong initial drive, the Jets’ defense, previously a strength, failed to perform up to standard. The absence of Haason Reddick was notably felt, and the overall defensive performance fell short of expectations.
This game was an important benchmark for the Jets, illustrating the gap between them and elite NFL teams. The result emphasized the need for defensive improvements and provided valuable insights into areas requiring attention as the season progresses. Week 1 offered a critical lesson for the Jets, highlighting the need for continued development and adjustment.
What Does the Next-Gen Stat of the Game Tell Us?
49ers left tackle Trent Williams had an exceptional performance, not allowing a single quarterback pressure on 33 pass-blocking snaps. This marked his first game without allowing a pressure on at least 14 pass-blocking snaps since Week 2 of the 2022 season, showcasing his elite protection skills.
What Does Research Reveal?
The 49ers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 38:40 compared to the Jets’ 21:20. This marked the lowest time of possession for the Jets in any game in Aaron Rodgers’ career. The 49ers’ ability to control the clock was critical to their success and underscored their effective game management.
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