Cam Ward arrived in Tennessee to solve the Titans’ long-standing quarterback problems. His rookie year was far from convincing. He won just 3 games while completing under 60% of his pass attempts.
The Titans hired Robert Saleh to install discipline in the team and, in the process, get the best out of Ward.
Ward spent much of his college career playing for below-average to average schools before blowing up in his final year at Miami. Although the Hurricanes missed the playoffs, Ward went 10-3, completed 67.2% of his passes for 4313 yards (a school record), 9.5 yards per throw, 39 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions.
Draft analysts projected Ward as the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His closest rivals were Shedeur Sandersand Jaxson Dart. By the time the draft came around, Ward had created some distance between himself and the others. The Titans eventually selected him first overall with the hopes of making him the face of the franchise.
Ward got the nod as the starter ahead of week one after Will Levis underwent surgery to repair his shoulder. Ward played every game during his rookie campaign, delivering just three victories. He completed 323 of 540 attempts for 3169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He was sacked 55 times (most in the league) for 410 yards, fumbled 11 times, and lost 7 times. Brian Callahan was fired.
The Titans hired Saleh, who spent the 2025 season as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Although Saleh doesn’t have a great track record of developing quarterbacks, the Titans saw him as fit to bring out the best in Ward.
After a full offseason of training, Ward appeared in two preseason games. Ward recorded 13 total completions on 24 passing attempts for 126 yards and zero touchdowns. Although they were just friendlies, fans and analysts did not enjoy Ward’s less-than-explosive playing style.
Questions were to start at quarterback in the NFL. Robert Saleh made a bold prediction about the 24-year-old’s future.
He’s much deeper than you would think for a young, hotshot quarterback. This kid’s not gonna fail. Obviously, I’ll put my job on that one, but he’s not gonna fail. He’s special.
Robert Saleh said via Sports Illustrated
Coincidentally, the NFL matched the Titans against Saleh’s former team, the New York Jets, in Week 1. The Jets had the same number of wins as the Titans last year. But the Jets came to Music City last week and scored two touchdowns on the Titans’ defense. Ward was sacked 3 times. He completed 19 of 32 passes for 140 yards and one non-consequential touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The .
Saleh defended Ward despite the outing.
We’re fully committed to Cam because we believe in him. You’ve got to let these young men grow.
Saleh said via ESPN’s Turron Davenport
With Week one done and dusted, the Titans have switched their sights on their next opponents, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are 1-0 after sneaking in a last-gasp victory over NFC East rivals, the Washington Commanders, in their opening fixture.
It will be Ward’s first time facing the 2024 Super Bowl champions. The Eagles hold an 8-5 overall record in this tie. Robert Saleh is 2-2 in his career and 1-1 as head coach against the Eagles.
Per Sports Illustrated, the Eagles are the overwhelming favorites to go 2-0 by defeating the Titans. Only a solid performance from Ward can save some face for the home team.