Perhaps no individual performance was more surprising than Cam Ward’s Week 5 comeback. He accomplished his first NFL victory and helped guide the Tennessee Titans to overcome a difficult 10-game losing sequence. The rookie quarterback was under a microscope after the first four games of his career. Unfortunately, he regressed but displayed tremendous growth just a week later against the New York Jets. This unexpected summer development has given the Titans’ coaching staff reason to be optimistic about the long-term future.
Ward’s early season stats suggested huge potential. Through his first five starts, he was only doing so on 30.8% of his passes over 10 air yards. That would be a remarkably poor performance, even compared to the league average of 47.9%. In the first half of the game against the Jets, Ward struggled, completing just 5 of 16 pass attempts for a mere 58 yards. But he cooled his jets greatly in the fourth quarter, finishing with 13 of 18 for 193 yards in that quarter alone.
Though it was a rough opening, Ward was key in making the big plays that helped lead his team to victory. Earlier in the contest, a fumble went for an automatic touchback. This unfortunate blunder provided a window for the Titans to retake possession at their own 20-yard line. Ward rallied and connected on three critical throws that traveled over 10 yards each, significantly impacting the game’s outcome.
Calvin Ridley made huge plays, especially his second long reception which he caught only a few yards from the line of scrimmage. He gained an astounding 85 yards on those passes. Furthermore, Ward made a beautiful over-the-shoulder throw amid heavy pressure to tight end Gunnar Helm for a big 19-yard conversion on 3rd and long. These moments all highlighted Ward’s poise and playmaking ability on the big stage. They were a major shift in his performance on the afternoon.
In discussing Ward’s development, Titans offensive coordinator Callahan noted, “Be at your best when your best is required.” He was serious about being consistent from the top of the game until the end.
“This was a big moment for his development as a young player,” Callahan added. Now, how do we play with that kind of efficiency and that kind of precision from the first quarter to the fourth quarter? So I’m really pleased with what he’s shown and grown with, and to see him in a big moment with the deck stacked against him and come through and play well at the end of the game was pretty encouraging.
Ward’s efforts culminated in an impressive total of 265 passing yards. This was an essential contribution to the Titans’ victory. It’s his knack for stepping up when it mattered most that’s gained him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Some of that belief came from coaching staff member Nick Holz, who had emphasized the importance of engaging late-game heroics for quarterbacks. “The end of the game is what quarterbacks kind of live on,” he noted, highlighting Ward’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Defensive lineman Simmons expressed confidence in Ward, saying, “I told him that’s why we drafted you with the No. 1 overall pick.” His words reflect the intense pressure placed on Ward. Now, as he learns the ropes of being an NFL starting quarterback, the expectations increase exponentially.
On the field, as Ward looks ahead, he is striving to be more consistent. As Titans’ coaching staff salivates over Titans’ second-year DE’s recent YouTube-highlight performance. Convinced the recent performance could be a breakthrough, as they face the rigors of the remainder of the campaign.
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