Titans’ Cameron Ward Aims for Improvement After Preseason Struggles
By Archyde Staff | August 16, 2025
ATLANTA — In a pivotal second preseason matchup, rookie quarterback Cameron Ward and the tennessee Titans’ starting offense encountered difficulties against the Atlanta Falcons on friday night. The Titans secured a narrow 23-20 victory, but Ward’s performance saw him complete just two of seven pass attempts for 42 yards.
Coach Brian Callahan had initially planned for Ward to play two series. However, the offense’s struggles on the initial drives prompted a decision to extend his time on the field for an additional series. Callahan explained his reasoning, stating, “I think just the play number was still low. Those penalties kind of knocked us out of some of those favorable down distances and we didn’t convert third downs, and so we wanted to get them one more series because the play count was still relatively low.”
A potentially meaningful throw intended for veteran wide receiver Van Jefferson fell incomplete, which could have positioned the Titans on the Falcons’ 30-yard line during the first series.
Ward’s Drive for More Reps
Ward expressed his enthusiasm for the extended playing time, noting his similar request the previous week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “That’s just more reps for me,” Ward shared.”I’d probably say the biggest thing I emphasize is making it hard on myself in practice for when I have a real rush coming at me.I think over time I’ll continue to get better every week.””
The team concluded a productive week of joint practices with this win. Ward operated without key offensive playmakers, starting wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, who were rested for the game. Ward highlighted the value of observing Ridley’s competitive spirit during the week, especially his matchups with Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell jr.
Looking ahead, Ward seems optimistic about building chemistry with his receivers, including Ridley. “I felt real good seeing good guys like A.J. Terrell and [Ridley],” Ward commented. “I think that’s a connection that was only going to get better, me with Rid, along with the other receivers. So I’m excited to see where we can go.” The Titans are now preparing for their final preseason game at home against the Minnesota Vikings, a team known for its strong defense.
| Stat | cameron Ward | Tennessee Titans | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Attempts | 7 | N/A | N/A |
| Completions | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Passing Yards | 42 | N/A | N/A |
| Final Score | N/A | 23 | 20 |
Evergreen Insights: Developing Quarterback Talent
Did You Know? Rookie quarterbacks often face a steep learning curve in the NFL. Preseason games, despite their exhibition nature, are crucial for assessing talent, building chemistry, and identifying areas for improvement before the regular season begins. The ability to learn from mistakes and adapt quickly is a hallmark of accomplished NFL signal-callers.
The journey of a rookie quarterback like cameron Ward is a marathon, not a sprint. While preseason statistics can offer a glimpse, the real measure of a player’s potential lies in their development, resilience, and ability to absorb coaching. The experience gained, even in challenging games, is invaluable. Building rapport with key receivers is also paramount, as demonstrated by Ward’s anticipation of improved connection with Calvin Ridley.
Pro tip: For aspiring athletes and coaches, simulating game pressure in practice through methods like intense defensive drills or timed offensive plays can considerably enhance a player’s readiness for real-game scenarios. This proactive approach helps in translating practice performance into game-day success.
As the Titans head into their final preseason test against the Minnesota Vikings, the focus will remain on execution and growth. The team’s performance, notably from its young quarterback, will be closely watched as they prepare for the regular season challenges. Learning from matchups against strong cornerbacks like A.J. Terrell Jr. provides critical experience that can shape future performance.
What aspects of quarterback development do you find most critical for a rookie’s success? How can teams best support young talent like Cameron Ward?
