Sour Debut for Cam Ward: Titans Fall to Broncos
The anticipated debut of Cam Ward, the first draft pick, did not meet expectations, as the Tennessee Titans suffered a 20-12 defeat against the Denver Broncos. Ward expressed his frustration after the game, especially for not capitalizing on the four turnovers generated by the Titans’ defense.The four lost balls only translated into two field goals by kicker Joey Slye. The first opportunity arose after an interception by Roger McCreary on a pass from Bo Nix. The Titans took possession at the Broncos’ 32-yard line, but Tony Pollard lost the ball on the following plays. Sebastian Joseph-Day recovered a fumble after a sack by Jeffery Simmons on Nix, which led to a 33-yard field goal by Slye. Xavier Woods intercepted another pass by Nix, bringing the ball to the Broncos’ 26-yard line, resulting in another field goal by Slye, this time from 35 yards. In the game, Ward completed 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards. Several passes were dropped by his receivers, including a crucial one by Calvin Ridley that would have meant a first down in the final offensive series. The best scoring opportunity for Tennessee came when the Broncos’ Marvin Mims Jr. muffed a punt. Dorian Mausi recovered the loose ball at the Broncos’ 24-yard line, but Ward was sacked on second and third down, forcing the Titans to punt. Denver coach Sean Payton commented on Ward’s situation, noting that the Titans’ offense became one-dimensional, which made the quarterback’s performance difficult. Ward acknowledged that the two captures suffered were the biggest lesson of the day, taking responsibility and highlighting the need to make faster decisions.We were bad, honestly. When you have a defense that generates three or four turnovers and you don’t take advantage of them, that’s our fault.
Cam Ward
The Titans will look to bounce back next week when they host the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium for their first home game.We just have to improve situationally, knowing when we’re at the limit of the field goal range, not suffering a bad snap. Simply get the ball out, whether it’s throwing it to the ground or getting out of the pocket to get rid of it.
Cam Ward
