The Tennessee Titans’ preseason has offered a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of their young quarterback, Cam Ward. While the box scores may not always reflect it, a deeper dive into Ward’s performance reveals a player making strides in the NFL. His decision-making, timing, and willingness to take calculated risks have impressed analysts and teammates alike, suggesting a bright future for the Titans’ offense.
The narrative surrounding Ward isn’t solely built on completed passes. It’s about the “why” and “how” behind each play. Greg Cosell’s analysis of Ward’s performance highlights the quarterback’s understanding of NFL offenses, focusing on the nuance often missed in basic statistics. A 35-yard completion to L.A. Isle Manor exemplifies this. Forced from the pocket by inside pressure, Ward identified Isle Manor, hitting him in stride for a significant gain. This wasn’t just athleticism; it was Ward showcasing his ability to read the defense, react to pressure, and deliver an accurate pass, allowing his receiver to maximize yards after the catch. This particular play showcased Isle Manor’s speed, accelerating “like he was shot out of a cannon” according to Cosell. It’s the kind of play that excites fans and demonstrates the synergy developing between Ward and his receivers.
The Importance of Ball Placement
Ward’s receivers have consistently praised his ability to deliver catchable balls, emphasizing the importance of ball placement for maximizing yards after catch. As Cosell points out, this is a crucial element of quarterback play, often overlooked. A well-placed ball allows the receiver to maintain momentum, turning a short completion into a big play. Cosell draws parallels to Bill Walsh’s legendary offenses, where precise passes to receivers like Jerry Rice and John Taylor transformed slant and in-breaking routes into game-changing plays. Ward’s ability to replicate this principle is a testament to his developing quarterback skills, signifying a deeper understanding of the game.
“For the most part, the much higher percentage of run after catch is a function of the quarterback, not of the receiver. … If you put the ball right on the hands, they don’t have to break stride at all,” Cosell explains, highlighting the quarterback’s role in creating explosive plays.
One play that drew significant attention was an incompletion intended for Van Jefferson. Despite coach Cowley labeling the play call “unbelievable,” the pass fell incomplete. However, both Ward and Jefferson took responsibility, illustrating the team’s supportive environment. Jefferson emphatically stated, “That was completely on me, not Cam. That play was on me, solely on me, nobody else.” While the result was an incompletion, the play itself was a complex double-post concept requiring precise timing and anticipation. Cosell emphasizes that this was a “big-time NFL throw” demonstrating Ward’s willingness to make difficult throws and his anticipation of the receiver’s route.
Another revealing play involved an incomplete pass intended for DK on a third-and-13 situation. This play showcased the complexity of NFL route concepts, featuring mirrored routes on the outside and DK running an “on the ball” route. Cosell believed Ward made the correct read and delivered an accurate pass. However, DK’s failure to bend his route behind the defender resulted in the incompletion. Cosell saw this as a learning opportunity for the young receiver, highlighting the importance of route running precision within the Titans’ offensive scheme.
Cosell’s overall assessment of Cam Ward’s preseason performance is overwhelmingly positive. He notes Ward’s decisiveness, timing, and ability to operate within the structure of the play calls. Even in games where the completion percentage might appear low, Cosell focuses on the positive signs: the right reads, the decisive throws, and the willingness to push the ball downfield. These are the indicators of a quarterback developing into a true NFL starter, not just statistics in a preseason game.
Cam Ward’s preseason performances with the Tennessee Titans are a story of growth, development, and potential. It’s a narrative that goes beyond completed passes and delves into the intricacies of NFL quarterback play. While the regular season will be the ultimate test, Ward’s early displays suggest he’s on the right track to becoming a successful quarterback in the league.
