The Manning Brothers didn’t let up when it came to 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after he dropped a potential touchdown pass in the second quarter of San Francisco’s Week 1 clash with the New York Jets.

On ESPN’s “ManningCast,” Eli – and especially Peyton – Manning commented on Aiyuk, who missed valuable practice time due to the seemingly never-ending contract drama.

“Aiyuk, he’s a little rusty, Peyton. He missed the whole training camp,” Eli said right at the start.

“Get signed and go to training camp,” Peyton added. “There’s a reason for training camp – we need it. We need the reps. Get the contracts done early so we can get to training camp and not screw up on opening night.”

Aiyuk missed the entire 49ers training camp due to the suspension of his contract.

The 26-year-old finally signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension on August 29, 11 days before the start of the 2024 NFL season in San Francisco.

Aiyuk deserved a new contract, but acknowledged that doing so did not speed up or simplify the process.

And even though Aiyuk and quarterback Brock Purdy worked overtime leading up to the opening game, the lack of reps may have cost Aiyuk the win on Monday night.

“It’s probably one thing to catch passes and run routes,” Eli added. “All of a sudden you’re laying on a pass at full speed and diving – that’s what happens in camp. You do that, you practice that. It’s a little rusty right now.”

Eli recognized rust.

Peyton, meanwhile, spoke more directly on the subject.

“You’re still catching balls off a high school field from a quarterback who’s 45 years old – my age – (and) you’re not catching balls from your quarterback,” Peyton said of Aiyuk’s lack of chemistry with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy this offseason. “Get signed, go to training camp and we’re not dropping the ball.”

Aiyuk entered Week 1 against the Jets with 269 catches for 3,391 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career, so his talent is unquestionable.

Aiyuk ultimately finished the 49ers’ victory over the Jets with two pass catches for 28 yards.

The Manning brothers just can’t help but wonder what Aiyuk would like now after spending the entire offseason with Purdy and the rest of San Francisco’s talented team.

And practice makes perfect?

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