NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Will Levis led touchdown drives on both his series and the Tennessee Titans beat the San Francisco 49ers 17-13 on Saturday night in the teams’ preseason opener.
Levis, who worked in the offseason to learn new coach Brian Callahan’s system, completed 4 of 5 passes for 35 yards, and capped the Titans’ opening drive by scoring on a quarterback sneak.
The 49ers opened the game, going 74 yards in 11 plays with Jordan Mason scoring from 4 yards out. Brandon Allen started at quarterback for the 49ers, who did not play starter Brock Purdy nor any of their first-team skill-position players on offense.
Tennessee answered with a big assist from special teams. On their first return using the NFL’s new kickoff rule, Kearis Jackson broke free through the center of the line for a 63-yard return. The 49ers were penalized 15 yards for sideline interference, setting the Titans up at the San Francisco 15. It took seven plays, and a 49ers defensive holding penalty, before Levis scored Tennessee’s first touchdown on a 1-yard sneak.