Offseason adversity and the absence of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey could not derail the San Francisco 49ers from a decisive Week 1 win over the New York Jets. Following a three-and-out to start their primetime matchup, the red and gold went on to score on eight-straight drives fueled by a 147-rushing yard game from running back Jordan Mason, and on defense, the unit was able to produce two turnovers and some key stops. From the specialists, you couldn't have asked much more - kicker Jake Moody netted six field goals to tie a franchise record for most field goals made in a single game.
Let's take a look at what national outlets had to say about the 49ers roster following their Week 1 performance:
Eric Edholm, Lead Draft Writer
"Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) sat this one out. His backup, Jordan Mason, ran for a career-high 147 yards, more than doubling his previous best. Mind you, two of the 49ers stars, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams, didn't have the benefit of training camp due to contract disputes and clearly were still gearing up. (Williams hit the locker room at one point in the fourth quarter to receive IV fluids, according to the ESPN broadcast.) Yet all the Niners did was carve away at a supposedly stout Jets defense for most of Monday night's contest, to the tune of 32 points, scoring on eight straight drives. The only mild disappointment was settling for six field goals, but Kyle Shanahan coached a gem of a game. He pounded those inside runs with Mason and kept the Jets off balance with his substitutions. Death by papercuts. Now imagine what this team can do at full strength."
Nick Wagoner, ESPN NFL Nation, on the Best Newcomer Performance
"San Francisco signed Leonard Floyd in free agency to be the down-to-down complement to DE Nick Bosa that it hasn't had since Dee Ford in 2019. The early returns were good Monday night. Floyd finished with two tackles, one sack, one stuff and one pressure that led to an interception vs. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers."
Bleacher Report Staff Writers
"No Christian McCaffrey? No problem. For most NFL teams, losing arguably their most dangerous offensive player just before the game would be a death knell. But in San Francisco's dismantling of the New York Jets, McCaffrey was barely missed—largely because of the running of third-year pro Jordan Mason. Mason tallied 147 yards and a score on 28 carries (his most since high school), consistently gouging the Jets right up the gut."
Mike Florio, Editor in Chief of Pro Football Talk
"Yes, the 49ers are good enough to not have one of their best players and not miss a beat."
