This exhibition season’s opening loss to the Houston Texans paled in comparison to last summer’s for the 49ers, if for no other reason than this: Jarryd Hayne was back home in Australia.
Remember when Hayne’s 49ers career began in Houston last August with a 53-yard run and punt-return fun? Quickly, he blossomed into a summer blockbuster, even if he faded from sight once the regular-season lights blinded him.
There must be something about this time of year because guess what Hayne did last weekend? He celebrated his return to Australia’s National Rugby League by making a last-minute, match-winning field goal (which resembled a 32-yard punt, in NFL parlance) for the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.