The Tennessee Titans secured a 17-13 victory against the San Francisco 49ers in their preseason opener at Nissan Stadium. Under new head coach Brian Callahan, the Titans showcased a promising offense led by quarterback Will Levis, who completed 4 of 5 passes and scored a touchdown. Despite a rocky start, the Titans' defense managed to hold its ground. The game also highlighted the effectiveness of the new kickoff rules, with notable performances from both teams' special teams.
In a closely contested preseason opener at Nissan Stadium, the Tennessee Titans edged out the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 17-13. This game marked the debut of Titans' new head coach Brian Callahan and provided a first look at the team's revamped offensive strategy. Quarterback Will Levis led the Titans' first-team offense, which executed two successful touchdown drives. Meanwhile, the 49ers, under the guidance of backup quarterbacks, showed resilience but ultimately fell short.
The Titans' offense, under the new leadership of head coach Brian Callahan, started strong with quarterback Will Levis at the helm. Levis, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 35 yards, led the team to two touchdown drives during his time on the field. The offensive line, which had been a point of concern in previous seasons, held up well, allowing the team to execute their game plan effectively. Running backs Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard also made significant contributions, with Spears scoring a touchdown.
Despite not playing their first-team starters, the San Francisco 49ers showed depth and resilience. Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs was notable, managing to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The 49ers' new players and backups, pushed into the game due to injuries and strategic rest, had a chance to prove their mettle. This game also gave the 49ers a glimpse of their training camp adjustments and how new players are integrating into the team's system.
The game was also a testing ground for the NFL's new kickoff rules, which seemed to benefit the Titans significantly. Kearis Jackson's 63-yard return under the new rules set up the Titans well for one of their scoring drives. Both teams' special teams had moments of impact, suggesting that the new rules might lead to more dynamic and unpredictable outcomes in the game's flow, adding an exciting element to the preseason games.
The Titans' preseason opener was a valuable opportunity for the team to test its new offensive strategy and for players to make their case for regular season play. The 49ers, while not deploying their main starters, used the game to evaluate their depth and make necessary adjustments. As both teams progress through the preseason, the focus will be on refining strategies and ensuring player health and readiness for the regular season.