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Burning questions ahead of the Jets-49ers at the 2024 season opener


Burning questions ahead of the Jets-49ers at the 2024 season opener

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers has looked good in training camp, defending the ball and throwing throws to all parts of the field. San Francisco led the NFL in interceptions last season, but has a new defensive coordinator in Nick Sorensen. What kind of attacks can Rodgers and the Jets passing offense expect?

MS: By firing Steve Wilks and promoting Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator, Shanahan sought to instill a back-to-basics mentality reminiscent of the Seattle-3 strategy of Saleh and his successor DeMeco Ryans. And yet, paradoxically, the 49ers are also bringing some new ideas. Former Chargers coach Brandon Staley, a Vic Fangio disciple who was brought in as assistant head coach/defense, has added some nuances on the back end that could help Rodgers get unexpected assignments. On pass attempts, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir will be moved inside and thrust into the middle of the action, similar to how Staley deployed Jalen Ramsey during his highly successful season as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. Bottom line: The 49ers will likely be less predictable than they have been in recent years. Rodgers, however, has seen it all during his long, illustrious career and can adapt and move around as well as any quarterback.

JP: Aaron Rodgers had his best practice in the Jets’ last practice together against the Giants, but will face a much tougher secondary in Week 1. The Niners allowed the eighth-fewest passing touchdowns in the league last season (20) and earned PFF’s third-best pass coverage grade (91.8). However, the Niners secondary lost starting safety Tashaun Gipson as a free agent and may be without their other starting safety Talanoa Hufanga, who is still recovering from a torn ACL. Additionally, Rodgers has thrown 11 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his six career games against the Niners since Shanahan took over, showing that he can and has been successful against any variation of Shanahan’s defense.

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