In one of the more anticipated matchups of the week, it wound up being a one-sided battle for a majority of the night. The 49ers looked like they needed to shake off some rust on the offensive side of things with players like WR Brandon Aiyuk and OT Trent Williams finally practicing for the first time this past week. In a shocking development pregame we learned star RB Christian McCaffrey was going to miss this game due to a calf injury. So, after the Jets took a 7-3 lead in the first quarter it was up to 49ers QB Brock Purdy to swing the momentum back to San Francisco’s side.
Although Purdy played great last night it was RB Jordan Mason who got the 49ers offense rolling in his first career start. After the Jets touchdown, the 49ers then went on a 23-0 scoring run behind Mason’s 147 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Jets offense on the other hand stalled out drive after drive and it seemed like a unit who was still trying to find their identity. On the defensive side of the ball the Jets stout front seven got beat up and could be concerning going forward. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest winner and losers from last night’s game.
Winners
49ers RB Jordan Mason
Mason is the biggest winner from last night’s game with his monster performance. The 49ers were able to play within schedule all night by getting ahead of the sticks with Mason’s 5.25 YPC. This was an impressive performance considering how great the Jets front seven was all of last year. Mason might be heading to a more limited role next week with McCaffrey returning but might have the RB2 spot locked up for the rest of the season.
49ers LB Fred Warner
Fred Warner is really good at football. Warner skills, that make him the best linebacker in the league, were on full display last night with his ability to stuff the run while playing elite coverage. Warner forced a fumble early in the game from RB Breece Hall, which allowed the 49ers to get on the board first. He was graded out as the best linebacker in the NFL this week with his 92.6 grade.
Jets WR Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson finally has a QB who can throw him the ball! Rodgers made it very clear who is go to receiver is going to be going forward as Wilson had 11 targets and finished with 6 catches for 60 yards. The 49ers were a tough matchup for the Jets in week 1, expect Wilson to have some big weeks this season with the increase in volume.
49ers K Jake Moody
Jake Moody saved a lot of people in fantasy football or ruined their nights in fantasy football on Monday Night Football. Moody had 6 field goals with a long of 53 last night resulting in 26 fantasy points. Moody has established himself as one of the best kickers in the league.
Losers
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk
After getting a big pay day, Aiyuk had a forgettable debut to the 2024 season. Aiyuk looked like he missed all of training camp and had not been with the team the whole preseason. Last night he finished with 2 catches for 28 yards and earned a PFF grade of 57.4 last night. Aiyuk will be better going forward but definitely not the start he wanted to the 2024 season.
Jets HC Robert Saleh
Saleh was on one of the hottest seats in football heading into 2024 and last night’s loss to his former team did not help his case. The Jets got beat in all 3 phases of the game against the 49ers in a good measuring stick game for the Jets. Saleh’s decision making from this game will impact how far the Jets will go in 2024.
Jets’ Offense
It what was supposed to be their coming out game, the Jets offense struggled all night. QB Aaron Rodgers finished with 167 passing yards 1 touchdown and 1 interception while Breece hall averaged a poor 3.37 YPC. This was a tough matchup for them but there were not many signs that suggested they would be an above average unit in 2024. They have another tough defensive matchup this week with the Titans, it will be interesting to see the adjustments they make ahead of that game.