Titans quarterback sacked six times in 20–12 loss at Denver
DENVER, Colorado (AP) – The Tennessee Titans turned the page to a new era Sunday, handing the reins of their offense to rookie quarterback Cam Ward. What followed was a harsh welcome to the NFL.
Ward’s debut ended in frustration as the Titans fell 20–12 to the Denver Broncos. The first-year quarterback completed 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards, absorbed six sacks and lost a fumble in the final minute as Tennessee’s comeback hopes unraveled at Empower Field.
The afternoon began with a flash of promise. On the Titans’ opening drive, Ward fired a 29-yard strike to Tony Pollard, helping Tennessee into scoring range. Joey Slye capped the possession with a field goal to give the Titans an early 3–0 lead. But that brief success proved difficult to replicate.
Denver’s defense quickly asserted itself, collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws. Ward rarely had time to set his feet, and the Titans’ offensive line struggled to contain the Broncos’ rush. Tennessee managed only 2.4 yards per play and went the entire second half without a touchdown.
Penalties compounded the Titans’ problems. Flags flew 13 times against Tennessee, costing 131 yards and erasing multiple opportunities to extend drives. Even when Ward found a rhythm, mistakes and miscues stalled momentum. A near-completion to rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor that could have set up a red-zone chance was ruled incomplete, and Tennessee never regained its footing.
Still, the Titans stayed within striking distance thanks to Slye’s leg. He connected on four field goals, including a 50-yarder that briefly pushed Tennessee ahead in the third quarter. But the narrow lead didn’t hold.
Denver responded with authority late in the game. Wil Lutz knocked through a 33-yard field goal to reclaim the advantage, and running back J.K. Dobbins delivered the knockout punch with a 19-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Rookie back RJ Harvey had set up the score with a 50-yard burst that left Tennessee reeling.
Trailing 20–12 with less than two minutes remaining, Ward had a final chance to engineer a tying drive. But Denver’s defense closed in once more, stripping the ball from the rookie quarterback and recovering the fumble to secure the win.
The result underscored both the promise and the challenges of breaking in a first-year passer. Ward displayed flashes of arm talent, but the combination of relentless pressure, penalties and missed opportunities left him with one of the more difficult debuts in recent memory. His six sacks tied the NFL record for the most by a No. 1 overall pick in his first start.
Tennessee left Denver with more questions than answers on offense. The Titans now sit at 0–1 and return home next week to face the Los Angeles Rams, hoping to find stability and give their rookie quarterback the support he needs to grow.
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