Titans Fall to 49ers, But Offensive Line and Rookie QB Show Bright Spots Amid 2-12 Season
The Tennessee Titans dropped their 12th game of the season on Sunday, falling 37-24 to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15. While the loss keeps the Titans locked in at 2-12, they remain in the No. 3 slot for the 2026 NFL Draft following losses by the Giants and Raiders. It was another tough outing in a season full of them, but there were a few developments worth unpacking-particularly on offense.
Let’s break down five key takeaways from Sunday’s game.
1. Secondary in Survival Mode
The Titans’ defensive backfield has been a revolving door lately, and Sunday’s game was no different. With rookies Kevin Winston Jr. and Marcus Harris once again playing out of position-Winston in the nickel, Harris on the outside-the unit was already stretched thin. Then the injuries started piling up.
Safety Mike Brown exited early, and Winston followed with a hamstring issue. That forced defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson into scramble mode.
Kendell Brooks was inserted at safety alongside Xavier Woods, while Amani Hooker slid down into the nickel. But the carousel didn’t stop there-Woods also left with a hamstring injury, prompting another reshuffle.
Harris moved to nickel, Hooker shifted back to safety with Brooks, and Kaiir Elam came in to play corner opposite Darrell Baker Jr.
The result? A patchwork secondary trying to hold together against one of the league’s most efficient offenses. It’s hard to maintain consistency when the lineup is in flux every other series, and the Titans paid the price.
2. Cam Ward Looks Comfortable When Protected
There’s a silver lining in the Titans’ offensive struggles, and it’s spelled W-A-R-D. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward looked poised and efficient in the first half, especially when given time to operate. The offensive line gave him a clean pocket, and Ward responded by completing 10 of 15 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown before halftime.
That touchdown-a 34-yard strike to Gunnar Helm-was a textbook example of what Ward can do when things click. He stepped up with confidence, delivered a perfectly placed ball, and let his tight end do the rest. For a rookie still learning the speed of the pro game, it was an encouraging sign.
3. Offensive Line Continues to Improve
Let’s give some credit where it’s due: the Titans’ offensive line has quietly been one of the team’s most improved units over the past few weeks. Even with some shuffling up front, they held their own against a tough 49ers front.
Center Lloyd Cushenberry returned to action after missing multiple games, bringing stability to the interior. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was out, but Oli Udoh filled in admirably.
The result? Zero sacks allowed and some real movement in the run game.
Tony Pollard took full advantage, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries-good for a 7.5-yard average. That kind of production doesn’t happen without solid work up front. It’s a sign that this group is starting to gel, and that could pay dividends as the season winds down and into next year.
4. A Missed Opportunity for Ward
As good as Ward looked in the first half, there was one throw he’d definitely like back. Late in the second quarter, with the Titans driving and just 19 seconds left before halftime, Ward had Jefferson wide open on a double move downfield. It was a clear shot-Jefferson had separated cleanly, and a well-placed ball could’ve resulted in a walk-in touchdown.
Instead, Ward missed the throw. The Titans managed just eight more yards on the drive, and Joey Slye’s 50-yard field goal attempt came up short. In a game where you’re trying to keep pace with a high-powered offense like San Francisco’s, those are the moments that sting.
Still, it’s part of the learning curve for a young quarterback. Ward has shown flashes, and with more reps, those deep shots will start connecting.
5. Draft Position Holds Steady
Despite the loss, the Titans remain at No. 3 in the 2026 NFL Draft order. That’s thanks in part to a string of losses from fellow bottom-tier teams like the Giants, Raiders, Jets, Saints, Cardinals, and Browns.
It’s a reminder that even with a win last week over Cleveland, Tennessee is still in a strong position to land a high-impact player come April. With the Raiders and Giants set to face off in Week 16, the pecking order could shift slightly-but for now, the Titans are holding steady in the top three.
Final Thoughts
At 2-12, the Titans are clearly a team in transition. But Sunday’s loss wasn’t without its positives.
The offensive line is showing real growth, Cam Ward is gaining valuable experience, and the team continues to fight despite a battered roster. The secondary’s injury woes are a major concern, but the resilience across the board-especially from younger players-is something to build on.
With three games left, the Titans aren’t playing for the playoffs-they’re playing for pride, development, and a glimpse of what the future might hold. And if this offensive line continues to protect like it has, and Ward keeps progressing, that future might not be as far off as it seems.