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Monday night’s result isn’t surprising, as the 49ers rolled to victory over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers’ offense pushed the Jets’ defense around for four quarters, and their defense was stingy.
But there were some surprises in Week 1, especially with the 49ers starters playing in their first extended action in 2024.
Jordan Mason
Mason’s success on the ground isn’t a surprise to 49ers fans. America may have finally discovered who Mason is, but fans know Mason can gain five-plus yards any time he touches the football. With Christian McCaffrey out for MNF, Mason carried the ball more than any running back in a game under Shanahan.
Twenty-eight carries is quite the workload for anyone, let alone someone making their first start on national television. Mason ripped off run after run without issue. Nearly toting the football 30 times might lead to a slowdown as the game went on, but that wasn’t the case for Mason on Monday night.
The Offensive Line
The 49ers pushed the Jets’ defensive line around all night, led by Trent Williams, but Dominick Puni looked like a seasoned veteran as he bullied any defender in front of him as a pass-and-run blocker. According to Next Gen Stats, Williams didn’t allow a single pressure for the first time since 2022. Williams dominating isn’t surprising, but after missing the entire offseason, Williams asserted his dominance.
According to Pro Football Focus, The line allowed eight pressures, seven hurries, a QB hit, and no sacks. The next test for this line is Brian Flores and the aggressive, blitzing Vikings defense on Sunday.
Leonard Floyd
Floyd was brought in as Nick Bosa’s latest running mate, making his impact known with a four-pressure, three-hurry, one-sack performance on 20 pass rushes. Of the 11 pressures by the 49ers defensive line, Bosa and Floyd combined for nine pressures.
Brought in as a veteran with a constant motor, Floyd has a chance to give Bosa his strongest compliment on the EDGE of his career. When you combine Floyd’s veteran savvy with his durability, Floyd could lift the defensive line more than anyone imagined.
