Tennessee Titans No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward had a solid first preseason outing, showing an excellent rapport with receiver Calvin Ridley, in a 29-7 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.
After assessing the film, Titans coach Brian Callahan was pleased with the rookie quarterback's performance but noted there are still things to clean up.
"Cam certainly hasn't arrived yet," Callahan said Sunday, via the team’s official website. "We have a lot of things we're still working on. I thought it was a good start for him, encouraging. It was productive, but there's a couple of things we're going to keep grinding on. Still working on getting the ball out fast, still working on the timing of it. … There's plenty of things we're still working on with Cam."
Ward's evening began with two incompletions and a quick three-and-out. However, on his next drive, he found Ridley three times for chunk plays as Tennessee marched 75 yards over 11 plays, capped by a Tony Pollard 1-yard touchdown plunge.
In two drives, Ward went 5 of 8 for 67 yards and a 89.1 passer rating.
The top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft showcased his strong arm on Saturday and was able to muscle the ball all over the field. Ward also demonstrated good accuracy and promising processing for a rookie in his first truly live NFL appearance, quickly transitioning from one receiver to the next. There are aspects he still needs to work on, including his footwork in the pocket, where he threw off his back foot a couple of times. The QB also nearly threw an interception trying to fit the ball into a window that was never open.
All in all, the Titans have to be pleased that the moment didn't look too big for the face of their franchise.
Ward will get more significant reps this week as the Titans conduct joint practices in Atlanta with the Falcons before Friday's second preseason game.
