It was a Week 1 reality check for a team that has serious Super Bowl aspirations.
The New York Jets and their Top 5 defense went on the road to open the season against the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and the home team rolled to a 32-19 victory.
After an initial three-and-out, San Francisco scored points on eight consecutive offensive possessions. The 49ers registered 24 first downs to the Jets' 14 and won the time of possession battle by more than 17 minutes.
"We just played Super Bowl contenders. We’ve just got to do whatever it takes. We’ve got to find out why we lost the way we did. When we figure that out, do we know what it takes to be able to get to a Super Bowl and to be able to compete against a team like the 49ers?" said All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Even without 2023 NFL scrimmage yards leader Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers gashed New York for 180 yards on the ground.
"Anytime you get run on like that, and credit to them, it's a championship outfit and they introduced us to some championship football. We'll get that fixed," said head coach Robert Saleh, who was the 49ers' defensive coordinator for four seasons before landing the Jets' job.
The 49ers reside where the Jets want to be. They appeared to bully New York at times, especially Green & White's defensive line. While Aaron Rodgers wasn't subjected to constant pressure, the offense wasn't exactly in mid-season form either.
"You need that type of game sometimes to see what you need to do and the standard you need to be at. We’re going to learn from it and just get better," said running back Breece Hall, who carried 16 times for 54 yards and one touchdown.
Garrett Wilson, who caught 6 of 11 targets for 60 yards, sounded focused on raising the standard.
"We have to be better. That's the bar. We had a great opportunity this past week to match up with a team that is at the top of the league, so we know where we have to get to," said Wilson.
The Jets saw first-hand what it means to perform at a championship level. They know what they have to do, but will they be able to get it done? The next 16 games will have a profound effect on the future of the franchise.
Next up for the Jets is a road contest against the Tennessee Titans on September 15 at 1 p.m. ET.
More New York Jets News:
• Rodgers, $44 million receiver turn back time vs. vaunted 49ers' defense
• Jets' two key offseason WR additions complete non-factors in season opener
• Jets sign former Vikings' All-Pro kick returner
• Jets make three 2023 draft picks inactive for season opener vs. 49ers
• Jets add former Packers' center, Dolphins' linebacker to active roster
