Tennessee Titans fans will likely be keeping tabs on every snap of quarterback Cam Ward's performance during minicamp and preseason practices, as they are looking for signs that he could be the guy who finally erases years of instability at the quarterback position and gets this team back to the upper tier of the AFC.
Ward is going to make his fair share of rookie mistakes, but his early reviews have been nothing short of glowing. Ward may have reached his offseason peak with a practice that shows how effective he can be at leading a pro offense in 2025.
Ward was intercepted for the first time in 7-on-7 drills, which is likely not going to be an uncommon occurrence for a rookie quarterback. What happened next proved to be such an encouraging sight that Titans fans must be thrilled with what the future has in store.
Ward completed his next 17 passes in a row, finishing 20-21 on the day and 14-14 overall in team periods. The Titans' official website declared this to be his best overall practice, which could be a sign that the mental complexity the NFL tasks one with mastering is coming very easily to Ward.
Cam Ward goes 20-21 in red-hot Titans practice
Ward's arm talent and ability to make plays on the run were never in question. With a half-decade of experience as a starter at three different schools in Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami, Ward is no stranger to picking up a new playbook and offense very quickly.
If Ward is already taking to Tennessee's playbook this quickly, the Titans' offense could surprise many this season. Elic Ayomanor and Xavier Restrepo, Ward's college teammate, have made some noteworthy catches so far, and Calvin Ridley is still a quality pass-catcher.
If the Titans' offensive line investments, namely emerging young tackle JC Latham and big free agent signings Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler, manage to play up to their full potential, Ward might have the collection of supplemental talent he needs to run away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Ward is going to struggle. He'll get a Week 1 crash course in life as a pro against a very strong Denver Broncos defense. However, Ward is slowly, but surely, stacking all the positive days the Titans need to see from someone who is expected to lead their franchise for the next decade.
