The San Francisco 49ers started their 2024 NFL season on a high note, defeating the New York Jets 32-19 in a Monday Night Football showdown that featured a dominant performance from fill-in running back Jordan Mason. In place of the injured Christian McCaffrey, Mason rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown, overpowering the Jets’ highly regarded defense with his physical style, and helping San Francisco score on eight consecutive drives.
Mason’s standout performance came in his first career start, making the most of the opportunity after serving primarily as a backup in his first two seasons. The former undrafted free agent took advantage of a depleted running back room, with McCaffrey sidelined by a sore calf and Achilles. Mason’s 28 carries were the most for a 49ers player in a regular season game in 13 years, proving he could handle a full workload. His 147-yard performance was key to San Francisco’s victory, as the 49ers controlled the clock and wore down New York’s defense.
The game also marked Aaron Rodgers’ much-anticipated return to the field, exactly one year after his 2023 season ended in heartbreaking fashion with a torn Achilles just four snaps into his debut with the Jets. While Rodgers did manage to throw for 167 yards and one touchdown, he struggled to find his rhythm in the pocket. The 40-year-old quarterback was pressured throughout the game and threw an interception as part of a tough return. Although Rodgers flashed glimpses of the arm talent that earned him four MVP awards with the Green Bay Packers, the Jets’ offense was out of sync against a relentless 49ers defense.
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy was efficient, throwing for 231 yards without any touchdowns or turnovers. Purdy managed the game effectively, relying on his strong running game and special teams to carry the offense. Jake Moody, the 49ers’ kicker, tied a franchise record by making six field goals, while wide receiver Deebo Samuel added a 2-yard touchdown run to round out the scoring.
The Jets’ defense, missing star edge rusher Haason Reddick due to a holdout, struggled to generate pressure, allowing Purdy plenty of time to distribute the ball. Despite holding their own in the red zone, the Jets could not contain Mason or prevent the 49ers from consistently marching down the field.
The win serves as a statement for San Francisco, showcasing their depth and resilience even without McCaffrey. Mason’s performance not only put the league on notice but also provided the 49ers with another potent weapon to complement their high-powered offense.
For the Jets, Rodgers’ return was a mixed bag. While his comeback didn’t result in the victory fans hoped for, there were positive moments that suggest better days could be ahead. However, they will need to address their offensive struggles and improve their protection of Rodgers if they hope to live up to lofty expectations this season.
With the 32-19 victory, the 49ers look poised to build on their success, while the Jets will regroup and aim to get Rodgers more comfortable in the weeks to come.
