The Tennessee Titans are entering the Cam Ward era, but a new quarterback isn't going to be the only thing different about training camp this year.
The narratives coming out of Titans training camp have been concerning in recent years. Storylines often featured the starting EDGE defenders picking on the offensive tackles, starters and backups alike.
While the general consensus is that $82 million left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was overpaid in free agency, he is a starting-caliber blocker who should improve now that he's out of the AFC North and being coached by Bill Callahan. Moore Jr. and JC Latham should be the best tackle tandem that the Titans have had since Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin, and the Titans don't have the EDGEs to scare starting-caliber tackles.
The other trench narrative that fans won't have to deal with this year is that there isn't an obvious position battle on the offensive line. Guesswork won't be required. The Titans; starting offensive line is already set with Moore and Latham at tackle, Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Kevin Zeitler across the interior.
It should come as a surprise if Cushenberry isn't recovered enough to participate in training camp practices considering how many times Brian Callahan has said that he is on track(and he has said he expects him back at training camp in the past). If Cushenberry's timeline is delayed, Corey Levin was re-signed and has proven that he can be a serviceable spot starter at center. The Titans also drafted Jackson Slater in the fifth round.
Finally, for the first time in a long time, training camp should be decisively "won" by the offense.
Ward is a rookie, but he is a No. 1 pick who possesses exciting playmaking ability. Ward will also be playing behind an offensive line filled with multi-year starters. Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett should be able to win their fair share of matchups, and other pass catchers like Chig Okonkwo, Tony Pollard, Xavier Restrepo, and Tyjae Spears should give him plenty of outlets to get rid of the ball.
Most importantly, the Titans have juice on the outside now. Whether they are polished receivers or not, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Jha'Quan Jackson, and Ridley all have speed to burn. Ward loves to rip off deep shots, and this offense should be electric to watch in training camp.
Some things will stay the same, like Jim Wyatt tracking pass completions and field goal kicks, but training camp has a chance to inject this fan base with even more energy and excitement than they have right now. For the first time in a long time, it might be fun to watch the Titans when they drop back to pass.
