The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for another rookie quarterback in Week 15, but this time the challenge comes with a different spotlight. They will face the Tennessee Titans and former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, a player whose debut season has been anything but straightforward.
Ward entered the league with expectations that come with being the top selection in the draft. But Tennessee’s offensive struggles have made his development difficult to evaluate. He has taken more sacks than any quarterback in the league, and the Titans have yet to give him a stable pocket or consistent structure.
Despite the numbers and the circumstances, Kyle Shanahan sees something different on film.
Shanahan Breaks Down What Makes Ward Stand Out
GettyTennessee Titans QB Cam Ward.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Shanahan pointed to Ward’s natural ability as the reason he still views the rookie as dangerous.
“You can see why he was the first pick,” Shanahan said. “He throws like a top quarterback. He can make every throw, and when his first read is there, he hits it. The talent is obvious.”
Ward’s production has lagged behind preseason expectations. He has thrown for 2,468 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 59 percent of his passes. The efficiency metrics paint the picture of a quarterback still adjusting to NFL speed, timing and pressure.
The broader context matters, too. Tennessee has allowed pressure at one of the highest rates in the league, putting the rookie in difficult situations on a large portion of his dropbacks. Few quarterbacks would thrive under that level of strain, and it has made evaluating his season more complicated. Even so, the 49ers’ staff sees the physical tools and is preparing for a quarterback who can challenge defenses when given time.
Shanahan Also Evaluates Titans Rookie WR Elic Ayomanor
Ward isn’t the only young player Shanahan spent time studying. Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor, drafted out of Stanford, drew similar praise.
“We saw a lot of him in the Draft,” Shanahan said. “He’s played a big role for them. Big target, strong hands, and he competes. He’s done a nice job for a rookie.”
Ayomanor has seen extended snaps due to Tennessee’s injuries at the position, and his size-speed combination gives the Titans a downfield option. The 49ers were familiar with him coming out of college, and he remains a player they expect to factor into Tennessee’s offensive plan.
How the 49ers Match Up With Tennessee’s Young Core
GettyBrock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with George Kittle #85
The 49ers’ defense has handled rookie quarterbacks well this season, mixing coverages and generating pressure without relying exclusively on the blitz. Even with injuries across the roster, San Francisco’s structure has remained steady.
Ward and Ayomanor bring upside, but Tennessee’s offensive instability has made producing consistent drives difficult. The 49ers will enter the matchup confident in their ability to control tempo and put the Titans’ young players in challenging situations.
Ward’s tools are evident on film, even if the results have been uneven. The Titans’ situation has made his development difficult to measure, and the 49ers are preparing for a quarterback who can make plays when conditions allow.
49ers Make Depth Move Ahead of Week 15
While preparing for Tennessee, the 49ers also made a small adjustment to the back end of their roster. San Francisco filled an open practice squad spot by signing former New England Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden, adding another developmental option to a unit that has dealt with injuries throughout the season.
Bolden brings standout athletic traits, including a 4.31 40-yard dash and a long, physical frame. He spent last year contributing on special teams in New England and gives the 49ers another defensive back to evaluate as they manage depth at multiple positions.
Week 15 Outlook for the 49ers
The 49ers know what they are preparing for in Week 15: a physically gifted No. 1 pick still trying to find his footing behind an inconsistent offensive line. Shanahan’s respect for Ward’s traits shows the staff is not overlooking Tennessee’s rookie quarterback.
But unless the Titans fix the issues around him, the 49ers are positioned to make Ward’s learning curve even steeper.
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