Titans Preseason Post-Game Analysis vs. 49ers

Written By Jack Loeb

It’s been seven plus months since the Titans took the field in any meaningful way. Sure the preseason is considered an exhibition match, but it means a lot for the 90 players that are vying for a roster spot. The Titans defeated the 49ers 17-13. The first 14 points came quick, but the rest of the game was less electric — which is apropos for backup offenses in the preseason. The Titans defense definitely had their moments but overall they did their job with a few sacks and one big turnover at the end.

The game marked HC Brian Callahan’s first complete called game for the Titans. There were no major hiccups and the offense looked good. Certainly Callahan is holding plenty back, but for what we know this Titans team looks much different than the Vrabel teams of yesteryear.

Offense: The offensive starters ended up playing two drives against the 49ers. Overall it went well. The Titans finished with touchdowns on both drives after a short field. However, it should be important to note the Titans weren’t playing the 49ers’ starters. Most importantly for the Titans JC Latham held his own at LT. He looked good and didn’t show any rookie jitters. To start their first drive Levis probably had his shortest field ever starting at his opponents 15 yard line after the huge Kearis Jackson return. The Titans very clearly are leaning into the 2 starting RB method with both Pollard and Spears. The first three plays of the drive were Pollard, Spears, Pollard. The drive ended with a 1 yard QB sneak for a TD. On the second drive Spears ran it left for 4 yards — that ended the offensive starters’ night. Levis finished the night 4/5 35 yards and 1 rush TD. The Titans scored TD’s on both their opening drives with the ones. Levis did have a nice off-balance pass to Ridley that gained a first down. Ridley looked like his old self — spry and quick as he scampered for 22 yards.

It appears the Titans are starting Radunz at RT and NPF is good to go at RT. It’ll be interesting to see if the Titans continue throughout the preseason with Radunz at RG or give Brunskill a shot to start next week against the Seahawks. The Titans OL as a whole was pretty good. They didn’t allow a sack and Levis was left relatively untouched. They also opened up plenty of holes in the run game for both Pollard and Spears — which ultimately led to some big gains and a Spears TD.

Mason Rudolph got the second rep at QB and played ok. He finished the game 10/17 with 126 yards and no scoring drives. Meanwhile Malik Willis got the majority of the snaps as a 3rd string QB usually does. His biggest highlight was a 29 yard run into 49ers territory. Willis left the night 5/7 with 38 yards. Malik did complete a beautiful 20+ yard pass downfield but it was called back due to an illegal formation. Overall both QBs didn’t exactly show something we hadn’t already seen before. It’ll be interesting to see if Willis gets a chance with the two’s in the next two preseason games.

Defense: Right off the bat for the defense Wilson sent Murray Jr. at Brandon Allen and it worked to perfection. Too bad the 9ers picked up a first on the next play with an 11 yard run. Shortly thereafter they marched down the length of the field with little resistance. There was a lot to be desired still for the defense who at times struggled to stop the offense. Both Brownlee Jr. and McCreary started outside at CB for the Titans. Hooker and Molden started at both Safety spots early on. The Titans were missing a few starters: Sneed, Awuzie, Simmons, Landry, and Diggs. The Titans defense held the 49ers in check most of the night outside of the first drive. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. had a nice PBU deep along the sideline. If he can continue making plays like that he’ll find himself 1st behind Sneed and Awuzie on the outside. Sweat didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard but there were definitely moments where his large physical presence was felt. In his few stints on defense he looked promising.

Another defensive standout was Chance Campbell. He had several big plays including the interception at the end to seal the game. He has certainly started to make the case that he should make the team in a crowded LB field.

Special Teams: How about that return by Kearis Jackson though? The second year player had a beautiful 63 yard return after slipping his way past the first 49ers kickoff wave. That’s huge for the kid who had his season cut short last year. Jha’Quan Jackson was the teams starting PR and offered some electricity on his own. Jha’Quan Jackson returned a punt early on for 26 yards from the Titans own 10. Nick Folk, the teams starting kicker from last year, missed a 53 yard FG to close out the 1st half. He also didn’t have any touchbacks during kickoff. Whereas, new Titans kicker Brayden Naverson made a 34 yard FG. I don’t expect Naverson to supplant Folk yet, but there could be something there if he can get some more opportunities and make good of them.

The Titans will take on the Seattle Seahawks next Saturday after spending the week battling against them in practice at Ascension St. Thomas Sports Park. This could be the game that sees former Seahawk safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs hit the field for an interesting matchup.

Jack Loeb https://twitter.com/jakjack91
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