NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have embraced rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who has quickly become a favorite among his teammates, earning the affectionate title of “little brother.” Ward brings a light-hearted energy to the locker room, sharing jokes and camaraderie with the team, but steps onto the field with a focused, business-like attitude.
Ward showcased his potential during a dramatic comeback that secured the Titans’ first victory of the season, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 22-21. His performance drew praise from veteran defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, who remarked, “I told him that’s why we drafted you with the No. 1 overall pick.” Simmons highlighted Ward’s calm demeanor and poise, particularly under pressure.
Though Ward struggled initially, completing just 5 of 16 passes for 58 yards in the first half, he turned the game around in the fourth quarter. After trailing 21-6, he completed 13 of 18 passes for 193 yards, demonstrating remarkable resilience at a critical moment. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz emphasized the significance of Ward’s clutch performance, stating, “You know you’re never out of it because you have a guy that can bring you back.”
Ward recognized that starting slowly is not ideal but took comfort in how he finished the game. Notably, he connected with Calvin Ridley on two deep passes totaling 85 yards, and made a remarkable over-the-shoulder throw to Gunnar Helm, setting up a touchdown run by Tony Pollard.
However, the victory was not without its luck. A near touchdown by Cardinals running back Emari Demercado turned into a fumble, leading to a Titans touchback. Additionally, an interception that could have been costly ended with a fumble recovery for a Titans score. Despite these lucky breaks, Ward’s 265 passing yards marked a career high, and he remains focused on improving his consistency moving forward.
“We still have a lot to prove to ourselves from an execution standpoint,” Ward stated, underlining the need to avoid mistakes such as interceptions and fumbles. Titans coach Brian Callahan echoed this sentiment, noting that while the win was encouraging, the team must strive for better performance throughout the entirety of the game, not just in clutch situations.
As the Titans prepare for their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders, focusing on refining their execution will be key. Ward’s potential is evident, and the Titans hope to build on this foundational victory as they aim to enhance their performance in upcoming matches. The encouraging signs from Week 5 offer a hopeful outlook for both the young quarterback and the team’s prospects this season.