49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk felt uncomfortable in win over Jets, ‘scared’ to watch film of tough opening game

Brandon Aiyuk wasn’t feeling like himself Monday night during the San Francisco 49ers’ season opener, and it showed.

Aiyuk, who struggled during the 49ers’ 32-19 win over the New York Jets, said it was a feeling unlike anything he’s had before in his career.

Aiyuk had just two catches for 28 yards in Monday’s win at Levi’s Stadium, and he was targeted five times. There was even a play near halftime that should have resulted in a touchdown, but Aiyuk botched the catch in the end zone. That prompted Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to go on a brief tirade about Aiyuk’s decision to miss training camp in his ESPN alternate broadcast of the game.

Aiyuk missed all of training camp this summer as he attempted to negotiate a new deal with the 49ers. He ultimately agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension with the team late last month, but he didn’t practice with the team at all until the week of their season opener.

Aiyuk admitted after his contract negotiations that he “made it a little harder than it needed to be” and at one point came very close to a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 26-year-old had a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 75 catches last season as he helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl. It was his second straight 1,000-yard season.

Aiyuk didn’t specify what was wrong with him in the game, but it could be as simple as being rusty and trying to get back into the swing of things after his unusual summer. He’ll get a chance to bounce back on Sunday when the 49ers take on the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. Based on his history, he’ll surely be back to his old self eventually.