49ers ground Jets: Rapid reactions

Football is back and so are the San Francisco 49ers. While ESPN and NFL Network were focused on the return of New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, the 49ers were focused on spoiling his first game back from injury. They did that, beating the Jets 32-19 (although six New York points came in garbage time). Yes, I'm petty like that.

Here are my rapid reactions. These are my live thoughts as the game unfolded.

• Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles missed a tackle on the defense's first play. Is this a sign of things to come?

• No Christian McCaffrey. No problem. But let's not make a habit of it.
• Colton McKivitz didn't waste any time getting beat in pass protection.
• Renardo Green looked great on that first punt. Great tackle.
• The 49ers forced a turnover on Aaron Rodgers' fourth play of the season (at least he wasn't injured this time). Fred Warner forced the fumble.

• The 49ers offense looked rusty early on. That would change.
• As Jim Harbaugh would say, "Death, taxes, and Jake Moody."
• I like the strategy of kicking the ball out of the end zone. That alone makes the kick coverage better.
• The run defense looks much improved.
• I could get used to watching Jordan Mason run behind Dominic Puni.
• Deebo Samuel is the only guy I know who can break seven tackles on a run that loses three yards.
• Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd will be a fun combination to watch this season.

• I prefer not to see Brock Purdy sliding headfirst.
• McKivitz is a drive killer. I may have mentioned him already.
• Jauan Jennings. Super Bowl MVP.
• That second-quarter touchdown drive was impressive. The 49ers overcame penalties, bad calls, and the Jets defense to take the lead.

• Mason was unstoppable on that drive.
• By the way, it's great having Trent Williams back. He played almost every snap and didn't give up a single pressure.
• Purdy is dicing up one of the best defenses in the league. But his best throw of the night was dropped.

• Brandon Aiyuk had multiple drops in the first half. I guess training camp is important after all.

• The offensive line was strong against the Jets defense. That's great to see.
• Kyle Juszczyk. Deep threat.

• Jordan Mason was exceptional in his very first NFL start. 147 yards rushing and one touchdown.
• Deommodore Lenoir is a rising star. His tipped pass led to an interception. I guess I should take back what I wrote about Flannigan-Fowles earlier.

• Purdy must have grown tired of slicing up the Jets because some of his 3rd quarter throws were ugly.
• Great game by the 49ers offense. They scored on eight consecutive drives. But there were too many drives that ended in field goals.
• Nick Sorensen's defense was mostly dominant on Monday Night. Great debut.
• Six field goals for Moody. I think he's settled in after his rookie season.

Next up for the 49ers is a trip to Minnesota to play the Vikings and their new quarterback, Sam Darnold. That should be an interesting matchup. A year ago, when the 49ers lost in Minnesota, WR Justin Jefferson did not play. This time, he will.

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