Tony Pollard's dominant rushing performance ignites the Titans, giving the 49ers a crucial reason for concern before their upcoming clash.
The Tennessee Titans (2-11) have all but been an afterthought for San Francisco 49ers (9-4) fans as the Niners prepare for a stretch run. More focus has been diverted to the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears. Perhaps San Francisco should not yet write a "W" next to the Titans game just yet.
While the Colts were getting blown out by the Jacksonville Jaguars, 36-19, the Titans were on their way to securing a second 2025 victory in a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland has by no means been a good team this season with a 3-10 record to show for its efforts. That said, the Browns have players that have proven to be able to take over a game, like star running back Quinshon Judkins.
On Sunday, it was the Titans' running back that made the most noise. Tennessee ball carrier Tony Pollard took 25 carries for 161 rushing yards to put the game away for the Titans on Sunday. His day included a 65-yard run and culminated in a two-touchdown performance by the game's end.
Tennessee would go onto win the game 31-29.
Pollard accounted for over half of the Titans' 292 total yards, and his performance should give the Niners pause. Certainly, nobody expects San Francisco to lose when the two teams take the field, but crazier things have happened. Any team that can run for nearly 200 yards without the threat of the pass is a team that should be taken seriously.
Titans quarterback Cam Ward had a rough day completing 14 of 28 passes for 117 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Going for under 120 yards is substandard, but it is difficult to play quarterback in this league. Ward's film demonstrates he's more than capable of playing quality football, despite what Sunday's stat sheet would indicate.
None of the Titans' receivers went for over 30 yards, which bodes well for the San Francisco secondary. Perhaps the key to victory for the Niners is to simply stop Pollard and the Tennessee running game. That may be easier said than done.
San Francisco will have the benefit of rest when it next takes the field. After a week without in-game tackling practice, the Niners will hope to exit the bye week without rust. The Niners will look to limit Pollard's effectiveness as they push to secure a playoff spot and climb higher in the standings next week.