Jarvis Brownlee’s jab at the Titans after game-sealing play for the Jets tells you everything you need to know about Tennessee’s confusing trade
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has endured an up-and-down debut campaign. While there's undoubtedly been growth in recent weeks, the team is still 1-7 and the first-year signal caller is experiencing the typical growing pains that come with losing. Ward is learning how to successfully play quarterback in the NFL in a trial-by-fire rookie year.
One of the more disappointing aspects of the Titans' offense this season has been the pass protection. Despite pouring premium resources into the offensive line, Ward has been sacked on a league-high 34 occasions. While the protection has occasionally faltered him, Ward also has a penchant for holding onto the football while trying to extend plays.
Ward has been attempting to improve at taking his checkdowns. Going big-play hunting has sometimes led to unnecessary sacks or turnovers. Interim head coach Mike McCoy discussed Ward's growth opportunities with local beat writers earlier this week.
Titans rookie QB Cam Ward must learn to take what opposing defenses give him
"Over time, you learn that those checkdowns are your best friends," McCoy said. "
Ward has shown growth, but his time-to-throw average indicates he's still occasionally holding onto the football. Ward's current release-time is 2.98 seconds, seventh-longest among quarterbacks who have taken 50% (or more) of their team's snaps this season, per Pro Football Focus.
Holding onto the football isn't automatically a negative trait. Some of the quarterbacks with longer average release times than Ward this season include Josh Allen, Drake Maye, and Jalen Hurts. And in Ward's case, it's occasionally led to big-time plays, including his miraculous first touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2.
But ultimately, Tennessee's protection issues indicate a quicker average release time would benefit Ward and the offense. No offense finds themselves in 3rd-and-long territory more than the Titans. Growth for Ward to conclude his rookie season means taking his checkdowns with more consistency.
49ers Linked to Trade for $14 Million 3-Sack Linebacker
The San Francisco 49ers are making some noise in the NFC this season, with the storied franchise being better than expected after the first eight weeks of the 2025 campaign, even with several injuries to key players on both sides of the football.
One of the biggest blows to the team in the first half of the season was the loss of superstar pass rusher Nick Bosa, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Ever since losing Bosa for the year, the team has been trying to fill the void and will likely address that need ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 4.
49ers Linked to Trade for Jaelan Phillips
GettyJaelan Phillips #15 of the Miami Dolphins.
Although the 49ers have been linked to Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, the team seems to be keeping their options open. Another potential trade target for San Francisco is linebacker Jaelen Phillips of the Miami Dolphins, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Miami has received interest from the Eagles, 49ers, Patriots and others on OLB Jaelan Phillips (The Dolphins are looking for at least a third-rounder in return). They’re also getting calls on DE Bradley Chubb and OLB Matthew Judon.
It remains to be seen how aggressive general manager John Lynch and the 49ers’ front office will be in the coming days leading up to the trade deadline, especially after the team recently acquired defensive end Keion White in a deal with the New England Patriots.
However, the team does appear to still be open for business, with Phillips and other potentially in their crosshairs.
Mac Jones Will Start Week 9 Against the Giants
GettyMac Jones #10 of the San Francisco 49ers
With Brock Purdy still not 100 percent due to his big toe inury, the 49ers will once again turn to Mac Jones to shoulder the load under center. It will be the fifth consecutive start for Jones, who will be trying to secure his fifth win as a starter this season.
Even though it appears that Purdy is inching closer and closer to returning as the starter, head coach Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff are going with a cautious approach with their star quarterback in order to not risk further injury.
So far, Jones has played well as Purdy’s backup-turned-starter. He’s thrown for 1,597 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions with a 65.9 completion percentage. Although the interceptions are a little high when compared to the touchdown passes, the former first-round draft pick has played better than expected, especially considering the circumstances.
However, the 49ers have lost three of the last five games, with the team playing in arguably one of the best toughest divisions in football right now. The Seahawks Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams currently sit atop the NFC West division standings with records of 5-2.
There’s no margin for error for the 49ers moving forward, as they’ll need to get every win they can get, especially while they await the return for Purdy, who could get back under center as soon as Week 10 in a crucial divisional showdown with the Rams at Levi’s Stadium.
