What a win for the San Francisco 49ers against the New York Jets. The fact that they managed to do this in the season opener during prime time is a sign.
Typically, wins against an AFC opponent don’t carry the same weight as wins against an NFC opponent. However, the 49ers’ win over the Jets is significant for two reasons.
First reason
The craziest thing about the 49ers’ pretty dominant win over the Jets is the fact that they didn’t look particularly good. That’s not to say they weren’t good at all. But how can anyone look at that performance, especially on offense, and think the 49ers put in an “A+” performance?
The 49ers had a “B-” performance. This was a game where the 49ers could have done better. And yet they pulled off a pretty dominant win, which is what makes the victory so meaningful. The 49ers didn’t play their best, but they still managed to do it against a team that is fighting for the playoffs. They were in control of the game for most of the time.
Imagine if the 49ers got going. Improvements include a strengthening of the offensive line, Brandon Aiyuk shaking off his rust, and the pass rush coming alive. Once they get back to normal, the 49ers will soon have some scary times ahead of them. They will give opposing teams nightmares like Freddy Kreuger. Watch out.
Second reason
The mood around the 49ers in training camp was gloomy. The absences of Aiyuk and Trent Williams contributed significantly to this. As did the many injuries that quickly piled up on the 49ers. It got to the point where it felt like they were repeating their 2020 season. The best way to prevent that? A win against the Jets.
Winning is the ultimate cure-all, and the 49ers have done it in pretty dominant fashion. Suddenly, it seems like all those negative vibes and uncomfortable atmosphere happened eons ago. Now the vibes are confirming what the 49ers have always been – one of the best teams in the NFL.
The 49ers slowly got going in Week 1 against the Jets. Aiyuk and Williams signed new contracts and returned to the team. Christian McCaffrey returned to practice, indicating that the 49ers’ injury woes were turning around. Although he ultimately did not play against the Jets, it was still a sign that the 49ers are shaking off the injury woes.
Everything feels good right now. The arrow is pointing up, in the middle of a potential winning streak. If the 49ers can take advantage of this win and gain momentum, they won’t be a team anyone wants to be a part of. That’s what happened last year when they were on a run. If they can build momentum and play with it, they’re unstoppable. That’s what makes the win against the Jets so meaningful.
It signals that the atmosphere is unshakeable and gives them momentum. Now it’s just a matter of maintaining it without hitting any obstacles along the way.
