SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Once again, the San Francisco 49ers will be facing a dynamic young cornerback.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner is quickly turning into one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He has strong coverage abilities and already has four interceptions this season. Verner, 24, is a top reason why the Titans’ defense has been strong this season.
That will be a challenge for the 49ers who don’t have much in the passing game behind Anquan Boldin and tight end Vernon Davis. Last week, Boldin had to deal with Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson. Boldin had three catches for 28 yards. However, the 49ers were able to get Davis loose. He had eight catches for 180 yards, which is tied for the third most receiving yards by a tight end in the NFL in the past 20 years.
The 49ers may have a problem if Verner locks down Boldin and the Titans are able to contain Davis. That will put pressure on receivers Kyle Williams and Jon Baldwin. Neither has demonstrated this season they can be a reliable, big factor in a game.
While facing a standout like Patterson didn’t hurt the 49ers, it did in Week 2 at Seattle when Richard Sherman shut down Boldin and the 49ers couldn’t find an answer in the passing game. It will be interesting which way this battle against Verner goes.