San Francisco 49ers running back (24) - Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers showed up in their 2024 season debut. The 49ers defeated the New York Jets with a final score of 32-19. The first game of the season can sometimes be rusty. While there are things to fix, this was a big game for San Francisco. Here is a look at the 49ers’ studs and duds in week one of the 2024 NFL season.
San Francisco 49ers Studs
Jordan Mason
Of course, in the week one matchup against the Jets, running back Jordan Mason will be named as a stud. The third-year running back had himself a game. Just before the matchup, as the inactive list was being released, it was ruled that Christian McCaffrey would not be active. This means that it is Mason time in the Bay Area. 49ers fans may have known the work Mason was putting in, but on national TV, the running back made a name for himself across the league.
This game was Mason’s first start in the NFL. He has played in games, but just a snap here and there. It was mainly when the 49ers would rest McCaffrey at the end of games. Against the New York Jets, Mason rushed the ball 28 times for 147 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. In the offseason, Mason told the media he has worked on his catching ability after watching McCaffrey play. Mason did have one reception for five yards. Even when McCaffrey returns, expect Mason to get more carries, which will only help the team by keeping both running backs with fresh legs.
Jake Moody
After all the talk last season, credit must go where credit is due. San Francisco 49ers kicker, Jake Moody was a stud last night. The second-year kicker has continued to be a topic of conversation on social media. Some believed the 49ers should get rid of him after one season. During Monday Night Football, Moody came through for his team.
Moody ended up going six for six on field goal attempts. He also made both extra points. 20 points last night were due to Moody. His longest field goal of the night was for 53 yards, according to ESPN. He went through some growing pains, but he deserves credit for his game against the Jets. This could also be a confidence booster for the young kicker. At times it seems as though he overthinks and gets in his head. Hopefully, now he sees he can do it in the league. This was a big game for Moody.
San Francisco 49ers Duds
Colton McKivitz
Overall the San Francisco 49ers offensive line played well. Right tackle, Colton McKivitz is being labeled as a dud this week due to the penalties he caused for offensive holding. There were a couple, and this can ruin the flow of the game. He needs to be careful with this moving forward. Fortunately, there were not too many penalties, and other players were also being called, but it was the most of the offensive line. The team was still scoring, it is just something to work on. On the bright side, the offensive line is usually a weakness, and had a good game against the Jets. Hopefully, this is something that can remain consistent throughout the season.
Brandon Aiyuk
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is another player listed as a dud this weekend. He had a slow start, which was expected. Aiyuk only began practicing with the team again within the last two weeks. He seemed to be in shape, but he was making drops that he would not usually make. He even missed one would-be touchdown. As the game went on he was making better catches. Aiyuk will likely step up more next week in his second game back.
Against the Jets, Aiyuk was targetted five times. He had just two receptions for 28 yards, according to ESPN. Next week against the Minnesota Vikings could end up being better, but this was not the Aiyuk that the 49ers fans know.
