The San Francisco 49ers welcome the New York Jets live on Monday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium for the final matchup of Week 1.
The 49ers want to make amends for their narrow Super Bowl LVIII loss in February, and the Jets want to kickstart the Aaron Rodgers era as starting quarterback after last year’s season-ending injury in Week 1.
San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Jets Matchup History
The San Francisco 49ers boast an 11-3 win record over the New York Jets, with their most recent win back in 2020 being a convincing 31-13 victory.
However, most notably, this is the first face off between Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh; with the pair having spent a three-year period working together at the Niners from 2017-2020. Saleh held the defensive coordinator role in San Francisco before taking charge of the Jets in 2021 as head coach.
Saleh praised Shanahan’s offensive mind, stating pre-game, “He is very, very good at recognizing the way players move and the players relate and the space that’s created on defense by certain plays and he just knows how to counterpunch, and he knows exactly when to counterpunch. He sees things on tape that gives him opportunities to exploit, and he’s one of the best.”
Key Players for the 49ers
After months of holding out for a payday and contract extension, the 49ers confirmed Brandon Aiyuk would be remaining in San Francisco for the next four years, signing a reported $120 million deal. The importance of Aiyuk remaining in a team with offensive weapons in all areas will allow further depth and option, with the core group fired up as ever to go all the way.
Another player who chose to hold out until agreeing more guaranteed money was 36-year old Trent Williams. Williams’ prominence on the offensive line is unquestionable. And despite heading into his final years as a professional, the Northern Californian team had to do everything to ensure he remained with the team.
The 49ers roster has an average age of 27, the highest in all of the NFC. When factoring in the organization’s decision making in the off-season, it appears this aging squad is running out to get over the line and deliver a sixth Lombardi trophy.
Key Players for the Jets
Rodgers returns to the fold as the Jets’ starting quarterback for the new season, in his second year with the team. As fans Jets fans remember, Rodgers only played four snaps before suffering a torn Achilles which saw the former Super Bowl winner miss the season.
With Rodgers back, wide receiver Garrett Wilson should get even more coverage after two impressive years where he recorded two back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The 24-year old’s early career in the NFL has seen him establish himself as one of the best in the league.
Last season, the Jets finished with a 7-10 record, placing them third in the AFC East. Despite the final record, Saleh’s defensive expertise elevated the team as one of the best in the league. The Jets ranked third on defense in yards allowed average, behind the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs.
San Francisco 49ers – Keys to Victory
Shanahan knowing Saleh’s weak points
With the pair having worked together over a three-year period, one key to victory is Shanahan taking advantage of Saleh’s weaknesses. The 49ers love to start off their matchups in dominating fashion. Therefore, play calls from Shanahan’s side must catch the Jets off guard in the initial early stages.
Utilizing Trent Williams
This factor is arguably the most crucial, with left tackle Trent Williams coming back into contention. His presence will be pivotal in protecting quarterback Brock Purdy considering the Jets’ defensive capabilities.
Stopping Aaron Rodgers
Most of the core 49ers defense are back for the new season, and have a tough test against Rodgers. The last matchup with Rodgers in particular saw a hard-fought win in Wisconsin to head to the 2022 NFC Championship Game. While successfully limiting the veteran back then, and despite not being known as a running and very mobile quarterback, it is paramount to keep him in the pocket in this match.
Limit Christian McCaffrey – it’s not worth the risk
The final key to victory is thinking long-term. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, suffered calf and Achilles issues which had sidelined him for the entire preseason. McCaffrey had similar injuries which happened at the back-end of 2023 regular season.
However, when asked if there was any doubt in his mind about his Week 1 availability, McCaffrey simply replied, “Nope.” There is no denying his tenacity to play through while nursing injuries, but the orgaization must exercise caution to prevent further harm.
