The first week of the NFL season concluded with Monday Night Football, where the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The game aired on ABC at 8:15 PM ET.
Opening Moments: Lazard’s Inconsistent Performance
At the start of the game, Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard struggled. He dropped a catchable pass on the first drive, ending the Jets’ initial offensive effort. Throughout the first half, Lazard failed to secure two catch attempts. However, in the second half, his performance improved, catching four passes for 26 yards and scoring a 36-yard touchdown, rekindling his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As the game wound down, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw a 3-yard touchdown pass, which Lazard caught for his second score of the game. This doubled his total touchdowns from last season in just one game, and Lazard is expected to play a key role in Week 2 against the Titans as the Jets gradually reintegrate wide receiver Mike Williams, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
Jordan Mason’s Standout Performance
Another highlight of the game was 49ers backup running back Jordan Mason’s exceptional performance. With Christian McCaffrey sidelined due to injury, Mason stepped up, rushing for 147 yards and scoring a touchdown, helping the 49ers secure a 32–19 victory over the Jets and spoiling Rodgers’ comeback.
Mason’s 28 carries marked the most by a 49ers player in a regular season game in the last 13 years, proving he is capable of carrying the team’s rushing workload. The running back, making his first career start, seized the opportunity and earned a larger role. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy praised Mason’s efforts, saying, “He earned all of it. His performance tonight was exciting.”
Rodgers’ Return to Action
For Aaron Rodgers, this game marked his return after an Achilles tendon tear. However, his performance left much to be desired. While Rodgers threw for 167 yards and recorded a touchdown, he also threw one interception. His limited mobility hampered his ability to adapt to the Jets’ offensive pace.
In the game, Rodgers showcased the arm strength that earned him four MVP titles. Following an offside penalty, he capitalized on a free play, throwing a 36-yard touchdown pass to Lazard, narrowing the score to 26–13. Despite the impressive play, the game had already been decided, and the 49ers maintained control.
49ers’ Dominant Performance
The 49ers dominated the game with a steady and effective performance. In the first half, they scored a field goal after a 12-play, 75-yard drive. In the second half, Mason capped off an 11-play, 70-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown, extending the lead from 13–7 to 23–7. The Jets only managed one offensive series during this stretch, failing to make any progress.
Additionally, 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel ran for a 2-yard touchdown, while kicker Jake Moody tied the team record by scoring six field goals. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 231 yards without any touchdowns or turnovers. The Jets’ defense, missing edge rusher Haason Reddick, struggled to apply pressure on the 49ers.
Key Moments of the Game
In the third quarter, the Jets faced a setback when Rodgers’ pass to Garrett Wilson was intercepted by 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, with the ball ultimately falling into the hands of linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Shortly after, Rodgers took advantage of an offside penalty and threw a touchdown pass to Lazard, but the game’s outcome was already beyond reach.
Although the Jets made some progress in this game, and Rodgers performed better than his injury-shortened first game last season, the team couldn’t close the gap. In the end, the Jets lost 19–32, giving the 49ers a strong start to their season.
This game showcased the 49ers’ dominance, while the Jets will need to adjust their tactics as they face the challenges ahead this season.
