Peyton Manning Slams 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk For TD Loss To Jets – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Peyton Manning Slams 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk For TD Loss To Jets – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The Manning Brothers didn’t hold back with 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after he dropped a potential touchdown reception in the second quarter of San Francisco’s Week 1 game against the New York Jets.

On ESPN’s “ManningCast,” Eli — and especially Peyton — Manning expressed their displeasure with Aiyuk, who missed valuable training time due to what seemed like endless contract drama.

“Aiyuk, he’s a little rusty, Peyton. He missed all of training camp,” Eli began.

“Get in (and) get to training camp,” Peyton said. “There’s a reason for training camp — we need it. We need the reps. Get those contracts done early so we can get to training camp and we don’t drop any balls on opening night.”

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

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

Aiyuk deserved a new deal, but he admitted it didn’t make the process any faster or easier.

And while Aiyuk and quarterback Brock Purdy worked extra hard leading up to the season opener, the lack of reps may have cost Aiyuk Monday night.

“It’s probably one thing to catch passes and run routes,” Eli added. “All of a sudden you’re setting up for a pass, full speed, diving — those things happen in camp. You make them, you practice them. It’s a little rusty.”

Eli recognized rust.

Peyton, on the other hand, was a little more direct on the subject.

“You’re still catching balls off a high school field from a quarterback that’s 45 years old — my age — (and) you’re not catching balls off your quarterback,” Peyton said of Aiyuk failing to build chemistry with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy this offseason. “Get your ass in, go to camp and we’re not going to drop the ball.”

Aiyuk entered Week 1 against the Jets with 269 career receptions for 3,391 yards and 25 touchdowns, so his talent is not up for debate.

Aiyuk completed the 49ers’ victory over the Jets with two receptions for 28 yards.

The Manning brothers are wondering what Aiyuk wants now that he’s spent an entire offseason with Purdy and the rest of San Francisco’s talented roster.

Because practice makes perfect, right?

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