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Titans vs. 49ers: 5 crucial matchups for San Francisco in Week 15

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 08: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs is tackled by Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 8, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 08: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs is tackled by Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 8, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 16: Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 16: Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Safety Eric Reid vs. Tight End Delanie Walker

Remember the part about Marcus Mariota’s favorite passing target?

Well, that’s veteran tight end Delanie Walker. The former 49ers TE has carried the bulk of Titans receiving duties this season and has an additional 63 receptions and 718 yards this year to put him in a position to surpass his Pro Bowl-level totals from a year ago.

And with Tennessee struggling to move the ball through the air the last three games, one should expect Walker to be a major factor in head coach Mike Mularkey’s game plan.

The 49ers would be wise to let veteran strong safety Eric Reid cover Walker. These duties could go to SAM linebacker Eli Harold, but Harold’s Pro Football Focus pass-coverage grade is a lowly 50.7.

Reid, on the other hand, owns an 84.0 mark in this same category.

Expect the Titans to scheme Walker to get open, forcing Reid out of the picture, either via pick plays or motioning Walker when the 49ers are in zone coverage.

Walker is dangerous, and San Francisco has to view him as the primary offensive threat to stop.