The San Francisco offense has a reputation of playing bully-ball against opponents. However, the Titans receiver showed that he is willing to be a force himself. That left 49ers fans a little frustrated, feeling that Brown was getting away with a lot in the Titans' 20-17 victory.
One example was Brown absolutely embarrassing Jimmie Ward, tossing the 49ers safety aside like nothing on his way to one of those 11 receptions. Plays like that left fans wondering why offensive pass interference didn't seem to be a thing during the primetime bout.
Brown explained why he doesn't believe he crossed any line on that specific play.
"Jimmie Ward, he's a great player, he's a physical player," Brown told reporters, per Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. "As soon as I straightened up, he grabbed me. I just got him up off me. I had to play through him. I can't let him stop me from where I'm trying to go.
"I'm pretty sure 49ers fans thought that was a PI, but he grabbed me first and I do have a right to get him up off me. That's what I did and he just fell down."
While Ward wasn't able to stop Brown on that play, his 68.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade was the fourth-best among the 49ers' defensive players. Brown's 90.7 overall grade was the game's top mark.
Ward finished the night with three tackles and two passes defended, and San Francisco dropped to 8-7 on the season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
It's the Trenches, Man: Why the 49ers Can't Overlook the O-line
Last year, San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster said this about the draft: "If they ask me, invest in guys that touch the ball, guys that can touch the ball and score touchdowns . . . That guy that touches the ball, it makes a huge difference in the game." I... -
49ers rival Puka Nacua sends clear message on Brock Purdy's contract future
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is widely expected to land a contract extension worth north of $50 million per year. That seems inevitable, given the current quarterback market—unless Purdy opts to give the team a significant hometown discount. After emerging... -
Insider reveals final 49ers pre-draft visitors before deadline
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their allotted 30 pre-draft visits on Wednesday, the final day NFL teams could host 2025 draft prospects. Among the high-profile names already reported this week were Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, Tennessee defensive end James... -
49ers land 'perfect running mate' for Nick Bosa in mock draft
The latest CBS Sports mock draft by Chris Trapasso has the San Francisco 49ers focusing on the defensive side of the ball in the first round. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise, given the team lost several key contributors this offseason, including pass rusher Leonard...