TAMPA, Fla. — Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward delivered a composed performance in his NFL preseason debut, completing five of eight passes for 67 yards and leading one touchdown drive in a 29-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, took the field at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night, showcasing the arm talent and poise that made him a standout at Miami. He played just two series, as planned by coach Brian Callahan, but demonstrated quick adaptation after a shaky start.
The 23-year-old opened with a three-and-out on Tennessee’s first possession. He missed his initial two attempts — one broken up over the middle to receiver Van Jefferson and another incomplete under pressure — before the Titans punted after gaining only five yards. Ward shook off the rust on the second drive, engineering an 11-play, 65-yard march that consumed over five minutes and ended in a score.
He connected on five of six throws during that sequence, threading precise passes to build momentum. Ward fired a 27-yard strike over the middle to Calvin Ridley on the drive’s first play, exploiting a seam in the Buccaneers’ coverage for a first down. He followed with a 13-yard completion to Ridley cutting across the field, pushing Tennessee into Tampa Bay territory. Ward then hit Ridley again for 10 yards, maintaining rhythm with his veteran target.
Shifting targets, Ward found tight end Chig Okonkwo for a short gain at the sticks on second down, converting a key third-and-medium. He capped the aerial assault with a crossing route to Tyler Lockett short of the markers, allowing Lockett to advance inside the 5-yard line. The drive concluded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, though Ward’s pocket presence ensured no sacks or turnovers throughout his snaps.
Ward’s 89.1 passer rating reflected efficiency, with two third-down conversions highlighting his decision-making under duress. He avoided forcing throws, opting for checkdowns when needed, and displayed mobility to extend plays without scrambling recklessly. Observers noted his growing rapport with Ridley, who accounted for 50 of Ward’s 67 yards on three receptions.
The rookie begged to return for a third series but adhered to Callahan’s plan, which prioritized health and gradual exposure ahead of the regular-season opener against Denver on Sept. 7. Ward’s outing provided glimpses of his potential as Tennessee’s franchise cornerstone, blending accuracy with composure in live action for the first time.
Tennessee drafted Ward after his record-setting college career, where he led Division I in touchdown passes. His debut aligned with expectations for a quarterback transitioning from college schemes, focusing on clean execution rather than flashy stats. Ward’s performance sets a foundation for upcoming preseason games against Atlanta and Minnesota, where he aims to refine timing and build chemistry.
In limited action, Ward avoided the pitfalls that plague rookies, such as interceptions or fumbles, signaling readiness for increased responsibilities. His ability to rebound from the opening drive underscored resilience, a trait that could define his tenure with the Titans.
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