San Francisco 49ers (1-0) – New York Jets (0-1): 32-19
Prestigious match to close the first week of the regular season between the Jets and the 49ers. Aaron Rodgers' big return finally took place. However, the forty-year-old was not the star of the evening, eclipsed by Californian runner Jordan Mason.
Vintage A-Rod…on a series
After a first failed drive that looked like a run-in, Aaron Rodgers (13/21, 167 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception) finally entered the dance in the middle of the first quarter. Recalling the fond memories of his years in Green Bay, Rodgers moved up the field surgically. Like Davante Adams, receiver Garrett Wilson (6 receptions, 60 yards) was systematically targeted on critical plays. After a long series of 12 plays and 70 yards, Breece Hall (16 carries, 54 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 fumble) entered the end zone and unblocked the Greens' counter.
San Francisco: Usual Recipe
Breece Hall's touchdown wakes up San Francisco on both sides of the ball. Borrowed on his first throws, Brock Purdy (19/29, 231 yards) finally finds a rhythm and moves the ball forward. The offense, deprived of Christian McCaffrey, inactive tonight, finds another hero in the person of his replacement Jordan Mason. The 25-year-old runner runs with ferocity and punishes the Jets defense: 28 carries, 147 yards, 1 touchdown. Add a pinch of Deebo Samuel (5 receptions, 54 yards, 8 carries, 23 yards, 1 touchdown) and the Niners string together 8 series that end in points, against one of the best defenses in the league.
And if the Jets can't keep up, the credit goes to the California defense, which tightens the screws. Fred Warner is everywhere (7 tackles, 1 forced fumble), the run becomes sterile (3.6 yards per carry), and the pass is stereotyped in the absence of alternative solutions to Garrett Wilson. Rodgers is also intercepted in the third quarter on a pass intended for Wilson, deflected by Lenoir and recovered by Flannigan-Fowles. Similarly, in the fourth quarter, the Jets fail on a fourth attempt for Garrett Wilson that was a little too predictable.
Seeing the green as half full
32-19 at the end of the game, the step was a little too high for Rodgers' return. Nevertheless, several positive lessons can be learned for the Jets:
- Rodgers hasn't lost his vision, as evidenced by an opportunistic touchdown to Lazard in the third quarter on a free play.
- Against a renowned defensive line, the five New York O-Lines held the fort (only 1 sack and 4 QB Hits conceded).
- The defensive backs covered the opposing number 1 receiver well (Aiyuk: 2 receptions, 28 yards), and the red zone defense was pretty solid (only 2 touchdowns in 5 passes).
The Jets will meet the Titans next Sunday, a more affordable opposition. The Niners, for their part, will travel to the Vikings of their former quarterback Sam Darnold.
