Key Takeaways from Titans’ Defeat to 49ers on Sunday

The Tennessee Titans faced a disappointing defeat against the San Francisco 49ers, falling 37-24 at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. Here are the key takeaways from the Titans’ defeat.

Slow Starts Cost Titans

The Titans struggled to find their rhythm right from the first kickoff. In both the first and second halves, they stumbled early, which proved detrimental to their game plan.

• The Titans went three-and-out on their opening drive.
• The 49ers responded with a quick 70-yard touchdown drive, taking an early 7-0 lead.
• After a missed field goal by Titans kicker Joey Slye, the 49ers scored again, extending their lead to 24-10.

Defensive Struggles

The Titans had significant challenges on the defensive side. The 49ers scored on their first five possessions and achieved touchdowns on four of those. Below are some statistics from the game:

• 49ers gained 430 total yards.
• They reached 28 first downs.
• The team successfully converted 60% of their third downs, going 9-of-15.
• Notably, the 49ers’ punter, Thomas Morstead, did not register a single punt throughout the game.

Missed Tackles and Offensive Impact

Missed tackles compounded the Titans’ issues on defense. With the offense frequently allowing three-and-outs, it placed additional pressure on the defense. While both sides faced criticism, it became clear that the defensive effort was insufficient.

Jeff Simmons Shines

Despite the loss, Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons made notable contributions. His performance was highlighted by two key plays:

• Simmons forced a fumble on 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, leading to a Titans recovery.
• He later caught a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cam Ward.

With this performance, Simmons became the first player since J.J. Watt in 2014 to achieve both a strip-sack and a receiving touchdown in the same game.

Conclusion

The Titans’ defeat to the 49ers revealed both defensive vulnerabilities and missed opportunities. As they move forward, addressing these weaknesses will be crucial for future success.