2024 NFL Season, Week 1: What We Learned from 49ers’ win over Jets on Monday night

The 2024 NFL season promises to be one of the most exhilarating chapters in professional football, as teams across the league gear up for a new year of high-stakes competition and dramatic storylines. With the offseason now behind us, fans can look forward to an array of storylines, including emerging stars, pivotal trades, and crucial draft picks that could reshape the landscape of the league.

1. Mason performed brilliantly in McCaffrey’s absence:

The announcement of Christian McCaffrey’s absence was a bit of a surprise, as he was listed as questionable with a calf and Achilles injury before the game on Monday. The news left many wondering how the 49ers, who were going to face a Jets team with a strong defense, would play without McCaffrey. But we shouldn’t have worried at all, because if there’s one coach who can get the best out of even lesser-known running backs, it’s Kyle Shanahan. He put Jordan Mason on the field and watched as he shone.

Mason carried the ball 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown, helping the 49ers offense take control of the game. His performance weakened New York’s defense and the team had possession of the ball for nearly 38 minutes, while the Jets were only able to keep the ball for 21 minutes. In this game, Mason made it clear that he has joined the list of running backs who suddenly emerged from unknown positions into important roles, such as Raheem Mostert, Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson, and Matt Breida. Even if it was for one night, it was a big moment.

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2. Jets defense disappoints:

Defense has always been the backbone of the Jets, especially during the tenure of Robert Saleh. It has been a great asset for the Jets especially when they do not have a stable pillar like the Quarterback. But this time the Jet’s defense did not live up to expectations, as the 49ers put up 401 yards of total offense and had a series of long drives.

Five of the 49ers’ nine possessions were nine or more plays and four of those drives traveled more than 70 yards. Most shockingly, the 49ers didn’t even need to convert on many third downs, as they succeeded 6 of 13 times. Shanahan had a better scheme than the Jets, and they completely outplayed a New York defense that couldn’t get much pressure on Hassan Reddick without a holdout.

3. Kyle Shanahan started 2024 off on a high note:

If the season’s statistics don’t tell you enough, just look at any of the 49ers’ eight championship games. Shanahan completely controlled the game from San Francisco’s third possession until the end. He mixed up different running concepts and created problems for the Jet’s defense. One of the great moments of the game came when Brock Purdy passed Kyle Juszczyk on a wheel route, and he ran 34 yards, changing the course of the game.

4. Rodgers gave a glimpse of the Jets’ potential:

For Rodgers, this game was a sign of a great comeback Indeed, the game was about to DVD of a great team. It was also a poor display during the first half but Rodgers was great, especially in some good drives by the team.
On one play he sprinted 70 yards on the field to purposefully pass the ball to Breece Hall, who scored a touchdown. While the Jets’ performance in that game was not what can be expected from a team with Rodgers as their quarterback, the game provided hints of how this team can perform.

5. The Jets now have a benchmark:

For the Jets, 2023 had begun well and for the first time, Rodgers was able to last the whole game. Despite of the interception made in the second half, he was also able to show the Jets the possibility of the team. About the Jets one thing is for sure, they will have to improve on their defense which has been their major forte in the past. His absence was visible and maybe this loss will bring some action for renewal of his contract.

Key Stats of the Game:

49ers left tackle Trent Williams didn’t pressure a single quarterback in 33 pass-blocking snaps, a milestone in his career.

Shanahan’s team controlled the game by keeping possession of the ball and the 49ers dominated the game with a dominant time balance (38:40 to 21:20).

Faq