49ers win against Jets/ Jets vs 49ers result/ 49ers spoil Rodgers’ return/ Newslooks/ SANTA CLARA/ Calif./ Jordan Mason’s 147-yard performance helped the San Francisco 49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers’ return in a 32-19 win over the New York Jets. Despite Rodgers’ first full game for the Jets, the 49ers’ strong ground game and defense led them to victory.
49ers Spoil Rodgers’ Return: Quick Looks
- Jordan Mason: Rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown for the 49ers.
- Aaron Rodgers: Threw for 167 yards, a TD, and an interception in his return.
- 49ers Defense: Forced a key interception and limited the Jets’ offense.
- Injuries: Christian McCaffrey missed the game, and the Jets lost CB Michael Carter to an ankle injury.
- Next Games: Jets face the Titans, 49ers play the Vikings.
49ers Defeat Jets, Spoil Aaron Rodgers’ Return Game
Deep Look
Jordan Mason took center stage as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Jets 32-19 on Monday night, spoiling Aaron Rodgers’ much-anticipated return to the field after his 2023 season-ending Achilles injury. Mason, filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey, ran for 147 yards and a touchdown, powering the 49ers’ offense against the Jets’ vaunted defense.
Mason’s hard-running style helped the 49ers sustain long drives, scoring on eight straight possessions. “When you give him the ball, he breaks tackles and always gets more than we block for,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, praising the former undrafted free agent’s performance. Mason’s 28 carries marked the most by a 49ers player in a regular season game in 13 years.
Rodgers, playing his first full game since joining the Jets, showed glimpses of his old form, throwing for 167 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. However, he struggled to move in the pocket, a lingering issue after his Achilles injury. “I can play better,” Rodgers admitted. “I missed a couple of throws. There were some opportunities I’d like to have back.”
Mason’s breakout performance came as the 49ers relied heavily on the ground game with McCaffrey sidelined due to calf and Achilles issues. His efforts were complemented by Deebo Samuel, who added a 2-yard rushing touchdown, and kicker Jake Moody, who tied a franchise record with six field goals.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ defense contained the Jets for most of the game. The turning point came after the 49ers took control around halftime. A 12-play, 75-yard drive led to a field goal just before the break, and another 11-play, 70-yard drive culminated in Mason’s 5-yard touchdown, pushing the 49ers’ lead to 23-7 early in the second half.
Rodgers’ return didn’t get easier, as his next drive ended with an interception when a pass intended for Garrett Wilson was tipped by Deommodore Lenoir into the hands of Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Rodgers managed a 36-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard on a free play after the defense jumped offsides, cutting the deficit to 26-13, but it wasn’t enough. Lazard added another touchdown late in the game from backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh acknowledged the challenge of facing a team of the 49ers’ caliber. “That’s a championship outfit, and they introduced us to some championship football,” Saleh said after the game.
Rodgers’ second game as a Jet lasted far longer than his debut, which ended after just four snaps in 2023 due to his Achilles tear. This time, Rodgers was able to lead a promising early drive that resulted in a Breece Hall 3-yard touchdown run after completing six passes for 61 yards. However, the Jets failed to sustain their offensive momentum, struggling to gain another first down in the first half and going into the locker room trailing 16-7.
Key Injuries
The game featured significant injury news for both teams. The Jets lost cornerback Michael Carter to an ankle injury, while the 49ers were without their star running back Christian McCaffrey, who was sidelined with calf and Achilles issues. Additionally, 49ers left guard Aaron Banks left the game in the third quarter with a calf injury.
Looking Ahead
The Jets will look to regroup when they visit the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The 49ers, now 1-0, will head to Minnesota for their next matchup, hoping to continue their strong start to the season.
