by Sports Xchange

--RB Chris Johnson leads the NFL with 959 yards and his 6.7 yards per carry average is the highest in league history since the merger through nine weeks.

--G/C Leroy Harris turned in a fine effort filling in at right tackle for David Stewart (hamstring). Stewart's progress will determine if Harris' adventure on the outside is more than a one-week foray.

--CB Rod Hood has two interceptions in two starts with the Titans. Though he signed only a prorated one-year deal, the Titans might want to consider keeping Hood around beyond 2009 with the way he has helped solidify the secondary.

--K Rob Bironas has made 12 straight field goals since missing his first two, and has done so with three different holders this year.

--LB Gerald McRath started in place of injured David Thornton (hip) and had six tackles against the 49ers. He also recovered an onside kick, ending San Francisco's hopes of a comeback.

REPORT CARD VS. 49ERS

PASSING OFFENSE: B-plus -- Not flashy, but very timely and mistake free. That's been the M.O. of Vince Young since he regained the starting job from Kerry Collins. Young did have completions to Justin Gage of 33 and 49 yards.

RUSHING OFFENSE: A-minus -- Chris Johnson might be emerging as the best running back in the NFL. Certainly, few are in the conversation, as Johnson ran for 135 yards and two scores for the Titans on Sunday.

PASS DEFENSE: A-minus -- Alex Smith passed for 286 yards against them, but the Titans intercepted him three times and also forced a pair of fumbles on sacks. A solid all-around effort from a much-maligned group.

RUSH DEFENSE: B -- The Titans held Frank Gore to 83 yards on Sunday, something that had to be a concern coming in, given Maurice Jones-Drew's 177-yard performance the week before.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B -- Rob Bironas kicked two more field goals on Sunday and new punter Brett Kern was again solid. The return game continues to be an issue, as Alvin Pearman took his turn on kickoffs and punts without incident, but without much flash either.

COACHING: A -- The Titans have done well adjusting on offense from Kerry Collins to Vince Young. Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger has put in option and rollout plays to help accentuate Young's strengths. And most important, the Titans are feeding the ball to Chris Johnson more and more.