49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers’ return with a commanding 32-19 victory over the New York Jets on Monday night. San Francisco’s success was largely driven by Jordan Mason, who stepped in as a fill-in running back, racking up 147 rushing yards and scoring a touchdown.
Rodgers, in his first full game back after a year, completed 167 passing yards, threw one touchdown, and suffered an interception. This game marked exactly one year since his debut with the Jets ended abruptly due to a torn Achilles after just four plays.
Despite some struggles with mobility in the pocket, Rodgers demonstrated the arm strength that earned him four MVP awards during his time with the Green Bay Packers. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the 49ers, who dominated the line of scrimmage and managed to win without their star running back, Christian McCaffrey.
Mason, who went undrafted in 2022, made a significant impact in his first career start, showcasing a powerful running style that allowed San Francisco to maintain control of the game, backed by a solid offensive line performance.
Deebo Samuel contributed with a 2-yard touchdown run, while Jake Moody tied a franchise record by successfully kicking six field goals, further solidifying the 49ers’ victory.
Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ quarterback, passed for 231 yards without any touchdowns or turnovers, facing a Jets defense that struggled to apply pressure without their holdout edge rusher, Haason Reddick.
The turning point came just after halftime, when San Francisco extended their lead from 13-7 to 23-7. They capped off a 12-play, 75-yard drive with a field goal and followed it up with Mason’s 5-yard touchdown run on an 11-play, 70-yard drive, leaving the Jets with little time to respond.
On the next possession, Rodgers faced adversity again, throwing an interception on a pass intended for Garrett Wilson. The ball was deflected by Deommodore Lenoir and intercepted by linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.
Rodgers finally found the end zone after 610 days, connecting with Allen Lazard for a 36-yard touchdown pass during a free play caused by an offsides penalty against Leonard Floyd. This brought the score to 26-13. Lazard later caught another touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor in the final moments of the game, though the outcome was already decided.
Unlike his previous game with the Jets, which ended in injury, this time Rodgers had the chance to play longer. However, the Jets’ opening drive was disappointing, resulting in a three-and-out after two handoffs and a dropped pass by Lazard. A fumble by Breece Hall, caused by Fred Warner, led to a field goal for the 49ers.
Rodgers managed to regroup and led the Jets on a promising drive, converting three third-down passes to Wilson, which set up Hall’s 3-yard touchdown run. He completed 6 of 7 passes for 61 yards during that series.
Despite that brief moment of success, New York struggled to maintain momentum, failing to secure another first down in the half and trailing 16-7 at halftime.
