2. Third Down

Both the Jets and 49ers beat up on third down in their opener. This was apparent on both sides of the ball. Both defenses allowed 50% of third-down plays to be converted to fourth down. Offensively, the Niners were 2-11 on third down.

San Francisco converted 18% of their third downs. That is abysmal against the defense in Arizona. The 49ers were one of the top third down offenses in football last season but that was not the case in Week 1.

The Jets finished 4-11 on third downs against the Bills and allowed the Bills to go 7-14. Both teams will have to clean up their efficiency on third down and put themselves in a better position.

This will be a key factor in this game. The Jets could keep the Niners’ defense on their heels if they convert some third downs. This also keeps Shanahan’s offense off the field. For the 49ers, they just need to go back to their success of 2019 and that is possible against the Jets.