The 49ers answered all questions before the opening game: Jordan Mason ran for 147 yards and the 49ers offensive line dominated the New York Jets in a 32-19 victory.

Christian McCaffrey was placed on the inactive list before the game and Mason took full advantage, rushing for nearly 150 yards, with two of his longest runs being taken back for holding penalties.

Mason ran for a one-on-one audience, and Kyle Shanahan will have to think about how best to incorporate Mason into the offense once McCaffrey returns.

Using Mason solely as a closer is not a big enough role. Shanahan faces the problem that he has more talent at running back than he bargained for. He now has a thunder and lightning tandem and needs to optimize both.

49ERS ON THE OFFENSIVE

Shanahan was concerned that the offense had only practiced together for a week. The 49ers started with a three-and-out series and then scored on their next eight possessions.

Game balls

Jordan Mason – 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown. Mason’s relentless downhill running style worked inside and out. The Jets had no answer for him.

Chris Foerster and the Offensive Line – The line and its coach delivered despite only a week of preparation. My concerns about Aaron Banks vs. Quinnen Williams were unfounded as the Niners made Williams disappear, only making three tackles and one quarterback hit. Rookie Dominic Puni led the team in run-blocking win rate at 82.1% and Trent Williams proved he’s worked hard out of camp by not giving up a pressure in 33 dropback snaps.

The line quickly found synchronicity. On a nine-yard run by Mason early in the second quarter, all five fired at right angles from the line and won their blocks in an impressive display of coordination.

The Jets switched to a five-man front and still couldn’t stop Mason.

Kyle Shanahan – The offensive starters hadn’t played together since the Super Bowl and needed just one drive to shake off the rust while playing well together the rest of the night. A Niners offense that thrives on confidence and momentum is on a roll heading into Week 2.

Juan Jennings – Led the team in pass receptions with five catches for 64 yards.

Jake Moody – 6 of 6 field goals, including two over 50, including the bank shot.

Adjustments

The challenge for Shanahan going forward will be to find a balanced distribution with two very capable backs and a growing group of targets. To Shanahan’s credit, he recognized that Kyle Juszczyk was undefended on one play and threw him a 34-yard catch pass shortly after. Juszczyk needs to be utilized more in the passing game.

Deebo Samuel was probably used too much in this game. That may have been in part due to Isaac Guerendo not being fully healthy. I was surprised Jacob Cowing didn’t play a role. George Kittle needs more targets. Brandon Aiyuk needs to get back on track, as the drop in the end zone after a beautiful throw by Brock Purdy didn’t help him get more targets.

49ERS IN DEFENSE

Aaron Rodgers led the Jets to an early touchdown drive by taking advantage of the 49ers’ weak zone coverage. After the Niners adjusted, Rodgers was too focused on his primary targets and New York’s offense stalled.

Game balls

Fred Warner – Warner knew he had to do more without Dre Greenlaw, leading the team with seven tackles and flying to the ball. Breece Hall had 16 carries for 54 yards and five catches for 39. Hall should have done more. Warner made sure he didn’t.

Leonard Floyd – A sack and a pressure that led to an interception by Rodgers. A great start.

Nick Sorensen – The Jets’ first touchdown drive took advantage of the Niners’ soft zone and Rodgers found Garrett Wilson. After that, Sorensen used tighter coverage and masking on 3rd downs, confusing and unsettling the Jets.

The run defense was solid with effective play up front, good play from De’Vondre Campbell and solid run support from the secondary.

Adjustments

Minnesota has allowed just one sack to the Giants, the Niners need to apply more pressure to beat Sam Darnold. Darnold has struggled in a crowded pocket.

Next week

Minnesota is rebuilding but beat a helpless Giants team 28-6. The Vikings have a solid offensive line that held Aaron Jones to 94 yards on just 14 carries, and they have the best receiver in the game in Justin Jefferson. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores was successful against the Niners and loves blitzing. If the 49ers can maintain their opening night performance, they should beat the Vikings.

According to the current betting odds, the Niners are the favorites away from home with a lead of 5.5 points.