Studs and duds from Tennessee Titans' 19-13 victory over the 49ers

The Tennessee Titans pulled off a hard-fought 19-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, showcasing a mix of strengths and weaknesses throughout the matchup. Playing without several key players, the Titans displayed resilience and effort from all positions. However, there were areas that required improvement, particularly in the secondary, where they struggled to contain the 49ers' reserves.

Cam Ward and the starting offense had a solid performance in the first drive, showcasing efficiency. Tony Pollard stood out on the Titans' first touchdown run. However, they regressed in the first half and will need to make improvements before the season starts against the New York Jets.

Here are some notable players from the Titans' 19-13 win over the 49ers:

Stud: K Joey Slye

Slye made a strong return to the 49ers, displaying excellent performance in the windy conditions. He connected on multiple field goals (35, 55, 53, 58) and made his only extra point, contributing significantly to the Titans' victory. The Titans may want to reassess their kicker options after his impressive performance.

Dud: CB Cor’Dale Flott

Flott struggled in coverage, was frequently targeted by the 49ers offense, and gave up crucial plays. Despite recording five tackles (four solo), he was called for a critical penalty that led to a score. His performance highlights some areas that need work in the Titans' secondary.

Stud: DE Femi Oladejo

Oladejo made a strong return to action after breaking his leg during his rookie season. Although he did not record a sack, he was effective in the backfield, constantly pressuring the offensive line. His performance suggests that he would be an excellent fit for Robert Saleh's defense.

Dud: CB Alontae Taylor

The Titans added another high-priced cornerback, but Taylor struggled early and was targeted often. He also committed a critical holding penalty that kept a drive alive. While he showed improvement later in the game, his early struggles highlight some concerns for the Titans' defense.

Stud: RG Fernando Carmona

Carmona had a solid debut at right guard, showcasing his potential in his NFL debut. He has taken most of the first-team snaps since the Titans' Blue & White scrimmage, indicating that he may have the inside track at the starting right guard position. This is an unusual spot for an offensive lineman, but Carmona's performance justifies his inclusion in this list.

Dud: QB Cam Ward

Ward looked solid on his first drive but struggled in the subsequent drives. He was inaccurate (5-of-12 for 57 yards) and had a critical intentional grounding penalty, reminiscent of the Will Levis highlight reel. If the Titans aim to improve their record in 2025, Ward must play better.