NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward delivered a blunt assessment of the team’s offensive performance after a challenging week of training camp, labeling it “very mid” following back-to-back days of lackluster practices. The No. 1 overall draft pick, tasked with leading a franchise desperate for a turnaround, took responsibility for the unit’s struggles but expressed confidence in its potential to improve. Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward is brutally honest and we love it.
Ward, the former Miami star who led the nation with 39 touchdown passes last season, faced a tough day in the team’s first fully padded practice. He completed just 11 of 26 passes, tossing three interceptions that highlighted timing issues and miscommunications with receivers. One interception stemmed from a misread with tight end Chig Okonkwo, another ricocheted off a defender’s helmet, and a third came on a poorly timed deep pass. Despite the setbacks, Ward remained focused, emphasizing the need for better execution.
The offense’s struggles continued the following day, with Ward noting the unit’s performance fell short of expectations. He acknowledged his role as the catalyst, stressing the importance of sharper timing and precise ball placement. After practice, he stayed late, working extra reps with receivers like veteran Tyler Lockett and rookies Xavier Restrepo and Bryce Oliver to build chemistry.
Titans coach Brian Callahan praised Ward’s resilience, noting his ability to bounce back from adversity. Callahan highlighted Ward’s command of the playbook, even as the rookie adjusts to the NFL’s speed and complexity. The coaching staff designed early camp sessions to focus on quick passing and timing, areas where Ward showed promise in college. However, recent practices exposed growing pains, with the defense consistently pressuring Ward and forcing him to scramble or check down.
Veteran receiver Calvin Ridley, a key target for Ward, suffered a minor leg injury during practice, adding to the offense’s challenges. Ridley, who has developed a strong connection with Ward since the offseason, remained optimistic about the quarterback’s potential, citing his smooth delivery and confidence. The Titans hope Ridley’s injury is minor, as his presence is critical for Ward’s development.
Cam Ward is ready to roll.
Ward, known for his self-critical nature, refused to sugarcoat the offense’s performance. He described the unit’s current state as a work in progress, emphasizing the need for daily improvement. With joint practices against Tampa Bay and Atlanta looming, followed by a preseason opener against the Buccaneers on Aug. 9, Ward sees these reps as vital for refining his game.
The Titans, coming off a 3-14 season, view Ward as the cornerstone of their rebuild. His ability to handle early adversity in camp will be crucial as Tennessee prepares for its regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 7. For now, Ward remains focused on elevating the offense, determined to turn “mid” into something more.
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