49ers Ready to Make Their Push - But First, Handle the Titans
SANTA CLARA - The holiday sweaters are back in storage, the team photo is in the books, and the much-needed Week 14 bye is behind them. Now it’s time for the 49ers to get serious.
At 9-4 and currently slotted as the NFC’s No. 6 seed, the 49ers are entering the final stretch with three of their last four games at home, starting Sunday against a Tennessee Titans team that’s been stuck near the bottom of the standings at 2-11.
“This is a big one,” said tight end George Kittle. “It’s that time of year where you have to show up. If you don’t, you’re out.”
Kittle’s not wrong. The Niners are riding a three-game win streak, but their offense hasn’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard.
They’re averaging 23.6 points per game - the lowest mark of any of Kyle Shanahan’s playoff-bound teams and 16th in the league. That’s not bad, but it’s not elite either.
Luckily for San Francisco, the Titans haven’t been able to generate much of anything offensively. They’re averaging just 15.5 points per game (31st in the NFL) and have been outscored by an average of 12 points per game - the worst margin in the league. Rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward is taking his lumps, and the growing pains have been evident.
Here’s what the 49ers need to do to avoid a trap game and keep their postseason momentum rolling.
1. Tighten Up the Tackling
The last time the 49ers took the field, they gave up 94 first-half rushing yards in Cleveland before adjusting and pulling away for a 26-8 win. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh pointed to fatigue as a factor before the bye.
“The bye came at the perfect time,” Saleh said. “We had a lot of missed tackles in that Cleveland game.
There’s a direct connection between being tired and missing tackles. That’s true across the league.”
Third-string linebacker Curtis Robinson will once again handle the green dot duties in the huddle, stepping in for the injured Tatum Bethune (ankle), while Fred Warner continues his rehab in hopes of a playoff return.
The Titans will test the Niners’ tackling with Tony Pollard, who’s coming off a monster performance - 161 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns. Pollard’s no stranger to Levi’s Stadium either.
He suffered a fractured leg here three years ago in a playoff game while with the Cowboys. His backup, Tyjae Spears, brings a different wrinkle as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
The 49ers’ defense has to stay disciplined, wrap up, and limit chunk plays - especially early.
2. Monitor McCaffrey, But Keep the Ground Game Rolling
Christian McCaffrey was limited in practice this week due to illness, but all signs point to him suiting up Sunday. Even if he’s not 100%, the 49ers have options. Brian Robinson has been coming on strong and could help shoulder the load if needed.
McCaffrey is chasing a rare double - 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 receiving in the same season - and he’s within striking distance. But lately, it’s been his nose for the end zone that’s stood out. After going scoreless on the ground through the first five games, he’s found the end zone eight times in the last eight.
“He’s just got a feel for it,” said left tackle Trent Williams. “He gives the coaches so many options with where they can line him up. That’s why the touchdowns keep coming.”
Tennessee’s run defense hasn’t been much of a wall - they rank 18th in the league, giving up 122.5 rushing yards per game. They’ve allowed a rushing touchdown in every game but one. That’s a trend McCaffrey and the 49ers will look to continue.
3. Special Teams Can’t Be a Liability
Eddy Piñeiro is back after missing two games with a hamstring injury, and while his field goal numbers are spotless (22-for-22), he’s missed four PATs (18-for-22). That’s something to keep an eye on, especially as games tighten up late in the season.
“I’m just happy to be back,” Piñeiro said. “These games matter, and the conditions get tougher this time of year. But that’s part of the job.”
Kickoffs and coverage will also be under the microscope. Titans return man Chimere Dike has been electric, leading the league with 1,323 kickoff return yards and two punt return touchdowns. Punter Thomas Morstead and the coverage unit will have their hands full trying to contain him.
A big return could swing field position - or worse - momentum. The 49ers need to win this phase of the game, or at the very least, avoid losing it.
4. Let Purdy Cook - But Clean Up the Mistakes
Brock Purdy has looked more comfortable with each passing week since returning from a toe injury that sidelined him for six games. He’s led the Niners to three straight wins, but his last home outing came with some turbulence - three interceptions.
Purdy is still wearing a small splint on his right big toe, but he says his mobility and mechanics are trending in the right direction.
“Driving off that foot really impacts everything,” Purdy said. “It’s been about getting that right and getting back to playing like I know I can. I’ve got to finish strong.”
The Titans’ defense hasn’t exactly been ball-hawking this year. They’ve picked off just six passes all season, and one of those players (Roger McCreary) has since been traded. But what they lack in takeaways, they make up for in pressure - particularly from the interior.
Defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons is a force, racking up eight sacks and 18 QB hits. He’ll be the biggest challenge up front. On the edges, Jihad Ward and former 49er Arden Key bring additional heat, especially against right tackle Colton McKivitz.
If Purdy can stay clean and keep the offense on schedule, the Niners should be in good shape.
5. Don’t Sleep on Cam Ward - Even If the Numbers Say Otherwise
Cam Ward’s rookie year has been rough. He’s thrown nine touchdowns to seven interceptions and has been sacked 49 times - tied for most in the league. The Titans already fired head coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start, and the offense has struggled to find rhythm.
But Ward is coming off a win in Cleveland and returns to the Bay Area with some good memories. Last year, he led a dramatic comeback for Miami over Cal at Memorial Stadium. That kind of moment can stick with a young quarterback.
His top target is rookie Elic Ayomanor, a Stanford product who’s been targeted 67 times but has just 30 catches for 353 yards and three scores. The chemistry is still developing, but Ayomanor believes in his quarterback.
“I like his mentality,” Ayomanor said. “He approaches the game the right way.”
The 49ers’ pass rush will look to exploit a leaky Titans offensive line and force Ward into mistakes. But San Francisco can’t afford to get complacent. Young quarterbacks can be unpredictable - and sometimes dangerous - especially when they’ve got nothing to lose.
Bottom Line: The 49ers are in control of their playoff destiny, but that only matters if they take care of business. With a favorable schedule and a healthier roster coming off the bye, there’s no excuse to stumble now. Sunday’s matchup is less about the Titans and more about whether the Niners can execute, stay sharp, and keep building momentum toward January.