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Brandon Aiyuk Admits He Was 'Scared' to Watch Film From Ugly Season Debut vs. Jets

The 49ers receiver opened up about his struggles in Week 1.

Tom Dierberger

Aiyuk caught two passes for 28 yards on five targets in the 49ers' Week 1 win over the Jets.
Aiyuk caught two passes for 28 yards on five targets in the 49ers' Week 1 win over the Jets. / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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Just about everything went right for the San Francisco 49ers in their 32–19 win over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Aside from the debacle surrounding running back Christian McCaffrey's injury, the only blemish from San Francisco's win was an uncharacteristic performance from star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk, who held out of training camp and preseason in search of a new contract—which he signed on Aug. 30—finished the game with just two receptions for 28 yards on five targets. It was just the second time in his last 20 games that Aiyuk logged less than 30 receiving yards.

"After the game, I didn't watch the film until this morning," Aiyuk said. "I was a little bit scared to watch it."

His worst mistake of the night was dropping a potential 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy in the second quarter. Peyton Manning, who was commenting on the game on ESPN's Manningcast, ripped Aiyuk for dropping the ball after missing so many practices this summer.

"Get those contracts done earlier so we can get in training camp and we don’t drop balls on opening night," Manning stated.

Still, the season is young. Aiyuk will get a chance at redemption on Sunday during the 49ers' Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

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