Aaron Rodgers’ highly anticipated return to the NFL didn’t go as planned on Monday night, as the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 32-19 victory over the New York Jets in the final game of the 2024 NFL season opener at Levi’s Stadium. Despite missing star running back Christian McCaffrey due to a last-minute calf injury, the 49ers dominated throughout.
San Francisco took control early, heading into halftime with a 16-7 lead. Jake Moody’s trio of deep field goals and a 2-yard touchdown run from Deebo Samuel Sr. set the tone, although a dropped touchdown pass by Brandon Aiyuk left fans — and Peyton Manning on ESPN 2 — visibly frustrated.
The 49ers continued to pile on in the second half, with Jordan Mason’s 5-yard touchdown run capping a long drive to extend their lead. Rodgers, who missed most of last season with an Achilles injury, finally found the end zone in the third quarter, connecting with former Green Bay teammate Allen Lazard for a 36-yard touchdown — his first in over 600 days.
However, Moody’s six field goals sealed the game for San Francisco. Brock Purdy threw for 231 yards, and Mason stepped up with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown in McCaffrey’s absence.
Rodgers finished with 167 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Jets, who added a late touchdown with backup QB Tyrod Taylor.
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