Titans' No. 1 Pick Cam Ward Overcomes Slow Start, Shines in Preseason Debut

The pressure is enormous for a No. 1 overall pick during their initial NFL appearance, and for Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, this pressure was clear from the start. Despite a rough first drive, the top pick of the 2025 NFL Draft settled into a groove on the second drive, showcasing the composure and skill that earned him the top spot.

Ward wrapped up his night by completing 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards during the Titans' 29-7 preseason-opening defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All his accomplishments occurred on his last drive, perfectly illustrating a sluggish start that culminated in a solid finish.

A Second Drive of Promise

Ward's first possession was a quick three-and-out, but after a long wait, he came back with a new sense of purpose. He wasted no time connecting with his new top target, veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley. A wide-open Ridley was the recipient of a 27-yard completion over the middle, which ignited the drive. Ward then went back to Ridley for a 10-yard and a 13-yard gain, showcasing a promising early chemistry with the veteran.

The drive culminated with a crucial third-down conversion to wide receiver Tyler Lockett that kept the chains moving, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Tony Pollard. With that score, Ward's night was over, but he left the field on a high note, leading the team on its only scoring drive of the game.

Titans head coach Brian Callahan praised Ward’s resilience, noting that he "started to feel comfortable." "He was begging to go back in but that wasn't in the cards tonight," Callahan said, "I thought he did some good things and it's encouraging."

Key Takeaways from the Debut

Perhaps the most encouraging sign from Ward's performance was the protection he received. He was pressured just once on eight dropbacks and never took a sack, a testament to the improved Titans offensive line. This bodes well for his transition to the NFL, where a clean pocket will be his best friend.

Ward’s strong showing, particularly his newfound rapport with Ridley, provides a solid foundation for the rest of the preseason. While it was just a brief taste of NFL action, the rookie signal-caller showed that he has the potential to live up to his No. 1 overall selection. There is plenty of preseason left before Ward's rookie season begins, but his fine first showing gives the Titans and their fans reason for optimism.