Joshua: One of Tennessee’s primary weaknesses has been pass protection. The constant pounding that Jake Locker took would eventually take its toll on him. The biggest deficiencies lie within the interior of the offensive line. Chance Warmack looks like a rookie, Andy Levitre hasn’t lived up to his near $50 million contract, and fans are already begging the organization to replace Rob Turner with four-round pick Brian Schwenke. Despite not having Aldon Smith, which 49ers players have the best chance to exploit these weaknesses?
Oct 13, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) walks off the field after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Eric: The Titans’ pass protection may be weak, but the 49ers’ defensive line seems to have succumbed to the injury buy. Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, and Glenn Dorsey missed practiced on Wednesday due to injuries, and Ahmad Brooks did not practice on Thursday. Patrick Willis admitted that he will be playing through pain on Sunday, as he is nursing a groin injury. And this is all in addition to Aldon Smith being out indefinitely.
So to be honest, I’m not sure if they will be able to exploit the Titans’ weakness. If they do, it will be via a team effort and one player will not stand out.