“Who Shined and Who Struggled: 5 Standouts and 2 Letdowns in the 49ers’ Crushing Win Over the Jets”

Winners and Losers from the 49ers’ Dominant Performance Against the Jets

Curmudgeon’s Perspective: Always Room for Improvement

As someone who watches the game through a critical lens, perfection is rarely achieved. Even when the score is lopsided, every play counts.

The San Francisco 49ers took full control of a Jets team many ranked as the No. 1 contender in the NFL. Even when trailing 7-3, you could feel the game was already slipping from the Jets’ hands.

The 49ers’ offense bulldozed into Jets territory on nearly every possession after the first, while their defense kept Aaron Rodgers, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson in check all night.

Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the game, including key strategic decisions that shaped the outcome:

Winners

Jordan Mason – Shining Bright in the Run Game
Coach Kyle Shanahan showed immense trust in Jordan Mason, who delivered on every opportunity. Mason made key plays, including a crucial third-down catch and racked up 147 yards on the ground, with 6.4 yards per rush. He even broke out eight runs clocked at over 15 mph, second only to Lamar Jackson in Week 1.

With Christian McCaffrey still nursing a calf injury, Mason’s performance solidifies his place as a reliable option in the backfield.

49ers Run Defense – Stepping Up Big
Last season, run defense was a concern for the 49ers, especially without key players like Arik Armstead and Dre Greenlaw. But on Monday, the 49ers held Breece Hall to just 2.5 yards per carry, proving their ability to stifle one of the league’s best rushers.

Allowing only 68 rushing yards—the second-fewest in Week 1—the defense didn’t need extra defenders in the box, a sign that their performance is sustainable moving forward.

Offensive Line – Time to Shine
The offensive line may have started shaky, but they quickly locked things down. Despite facing stars like Quinnen Williams and a well-prepared Robert Saleh defense, Brock Purdy was only pressured on 25% of his dropbacks. The line paved the way for a 150+ yard rushing effort, even with the Jets loading the box on half of their snaps.

Losers

Red Zone Struggles – Missed Opportunities
Despite putting up 32 points, the 49ers struggled in key moments, particularly in the red zone. With opportunities to score more, questionable decisions—like running a trick play on 3rd & 5—prevented the team from maximizing their output. These are areas the team must improve to stay competitive in tighter games.

Third-Down Defense – Too Many Conversions
The Jets converted 60% of their third downs, exposing some weaknesses in the 49ers’ defense. While there were key stops, the defense allowed wide-open receivers and costly conversions in critical moments. The Niners need to tighten up their third-down coverage to prevent more efficient offenses from taking advantage.

Special Teams – Weaponizing Every Play
Mitch Wishnowsky’s one 58-yard punt was impressive, and Deebo Samuel showed potential as a kick returner, proving he’s always a threat to take one to the house. Kicker Jake Moody was flawless, going 8-for-8 and nailing two 50+ yard field goals, highlighting the value of having a reliable leg in high-pressure situations.

The 49ers put together a dominant performance but still have areas to clean up. As they prepare for tougher matchups down the line, these adjustments could make all the difference.