What 49ers can learn from Titans Week 15 loss to Steelers

Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Joe Schobert #93 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Joe Schobert #93 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images /

Takeaway No. 4: Ryan Tannehill is awfully turnover-prone

The Niners haven’t exactly been the best at generating defensive takeaways, although they have been modestly better at protecting the ball in recent weeks, improving upon what was an abysmal minus-9 turnover differential to get to minus-2 on the season.

The Titans, meanwhile, are trending in the opposite direction, now down at minus-7 and dealing with a turnover-prone Ryan Tannehill under center who doesn’t have the benefit of an all-powerful run game with Derrick Henry to balance things out.

Read More: 49ers open as early favorites for Week 15 vs. Titans

Not having Julio Jones and A.J. Brown has unquestionably hurt, too.

Fans have been quick to point out Joe Burrow’s interception problems this season, but Tannehill and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence are both tied with Burrow for most interceptions thrown this season with 14, a stat Tannehill of a couple of years ago wouldn’t have been associated with.

The Steelers pass rush was largely responsible for Tannehill’s lone interception thrown in Week 15, yet San Francisco can be hoping for a multi-interception game from the quarterback on the short week, as he’s already had three of those this season.