The top pick in the draft showed up in his quick appearance.
Cam Ward’s strong start sparks Titans fans’ hopes in preseason originally appeared on The Sporting News
Tennessee Titans fans got their first real look at Cam Ward in uniform, and the rookie quarterback gave them plenty to talk about. In his NFL preseason debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ward led a crisp second-quarter touchdown drive that hinted at the franchise’s future under center.
A rough opening followed by a breakthrough
Ward’s first drive ended quickly, with an incomplete pass to Van Jefferson and a throwaway under pressure. Tampa Bay’s long touchdown possession kept him on the sideline for much of the first quarter.
When Ward returned in the second, he wasted no time making an impact. His first throw of the drive was a 27-yard strike to Calvin Ridley, setting the tone for what became the night’s most talked-about connection.
Chemistry with Calvin Ridley
Ward kept leaning on the veteran wideout, hitting Ridley for two more short completions on the same drive. Even after a near interception on a pass to Chigoziem Okonkwo, Ward bounced back, finding the tight end for a key third-down conversion. Tony Pollard capped off the march with a touchdown run.
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Numbers and next steps
Ward finished the night 5-for-8 passing for 67 yards, with Ridley accounting for 50 of those yards on three catches. It was a short but encouraging debut for the first overall pick, who showed poise and precision once he settled in.
The Titans will get another look at their rookie signal-caller next Friday when they face the Atlanta Falcons in their second preseason game.
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