Thursday, September 30 Baxter Bits: Titans vs. 49ers By Russell S. Baxter Special to ESPN.com |
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The Titans head to San Francisco for the first time since 1993 looking to narrow the Niners' lead in this interconference series. The 49ers have doubled Tennessee's victory total in this infrequent setting (6-3) and have prevailed in five of the last six meetings dating back to 1981, including a 10-9 triumph at the Astrodome in 1996 in the most recent battle between the clubs. The Titans are 2-2 lifetime at 3Com Park dating back to 1975, their last visit to San Francisco resulting in a 10-7 triumph on Christmas Day in 1993.
Numbers:The Titans have limited the opposition to 17 or fewer points in 17 of their last 31 contests dating back to '97. After giving up just 5 touchdown passes in their first seven games, the Titans have allowed 23 TD passes in their last 12 contests dating back to '98. Including playoffs, the 49ers have allowed 53 sacks in their last 16 games dating back to '98. Things To Look For: Jeff Fisher's club finds itself in unfamiliar territory, and a road victory over the Niners would certainly open some eyes. Tennessee's defense remains suspect, although it made some huge plays in last week's conquest of the Jaguars. It looks like QB Jeff Gracia gets the nod for the 49ers, but it's hard to believe San Francisco's shoddy offensive line will look much better than it has to date. Etc.:The Titans are 3-0 for the first time since 1991 (when they were the Houston Oilers), and a victory over the 49ers would mark the first 4-0 start in the franchise's 40-year history (1960-99). Since 1995, the Titans are 16-18 at home and 18-15 on the road. The Titans are just 15-21 vs. NFC competition since '90 (1-3 in '98). They are 10-1 vs. AFC Central rivals, 1-7 vs. the rest of the NFL dating back to '98. The 49ers have won 18 straight regular-season home games dating back to '96. They are 30-11 vs. AFC teams (32-11 if you include wins over Denver and San Diego in Super Bowls XXIV and XXIX, respectively) dating back to 1989 (0-1 in '99). The 49ers have not been shutout in an NFL-record 341 consecutive games. WR Jerry Rice has caught at least 1 pass in an NFL-record 196 straight games. |
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