Rookie QB Cam Ward Impresses with Poise and Playmaking Despite Tennessee Titans’ Preseason Opener Loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tennessee Titans began their 2025 preseason campaign with plenty of anticipation, as fans finally got their first in-game look at rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Drafted in the third round out of Washington State, Ward brought a sense of excitement and curiosity to the field that was palpable from the opening snap. And while the Titans fell short against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 27-17 defeat at Nissan Stadium, Ward’s debut gave the franchise and its fans a fresh glimpse of the potential future under center.

Presented by LG Global, the preseason opener served as a significant measuring stick for not just the young quarterback, but also for the Titans’ revamped offensive unit and several key roster battles heading into the regular season. The final score may not have favored Tennessee, but the real win came in the form of clarity and flashes of talent that may help shape the team’s future.

Cam Ward entered the game midway through the second quarter to a round of applause from a crowd eager to see the dual-threat quarterback in action. From his first series, Ward displayed the composure, athleticism, and arm strength that made him a standout in college. Completing his first four passes and leading a 65-yard scoring drive capped off with a 12-yard touchdown toss to tight end Josh Whyle, Ward showcased a calm pocket presence and a natural ability to extend plays under pressure.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Ward’s debut was his ability to go through progressions while keeping his eyes downfield. On multiple occasions, the rookie avoided pressure by stepping up in the pocket or rolling out, turning what could have been sacks or throwaways into positive gains. While preseason defenses don’t always present the same level of complexity as regular-season schemes, Ward’s decision-making and comfort in the offense looked ahead of schedule.

By the end of the night, Ward finished with a solid stat line: 11-of-15 for 128 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, along with 24 rushing yards on three carries. But stats alone didn’t capture the full picture. His leadership in the huddle, the tempo he brought to the offense, and the way teammates responded to him all hinted at a player who is quickly earning the respect of the locker room.

Veteran quarterback Will Levis started the game and played the entire first quarter. Levis, now entering his third season and presumed to be the Week 1 starter, had a mixed showing. While he delivered a beautiful 35-yard strike to Treylon Burks on the second drive, he also missed on a few intermediate throws and was nearly intercepted twice. Levis ended his night going 6-of-11 for 77 yards, no touchdowns, and no turnovers.

Titans head coach Brian Callahan, who took over the reins this offseason, was measured in his postgame remarks. “It’s a good first step for Cam,” he said. “He’s got a lot to learn, but you can see the tools. You can see the poise. We’ll get back in the film room, keep refining, but I like where he’s at.”

Callahan also praised Levis for managing the offense early and acknowledged that preseason games serve as laboratories for testing schemes and player combinations more than chasing victories. “It’s about getting better, getting reps, and building continuity,” he noted.

On the ground, the Titans showed flashes of what could become a strong committee approach following the departure of longtime star Derrick Henry. Rookie running back Dillon Johnson, another former Washington State standout, contributed 39 yards on seven carries, including an explosive 17-yard run that set up the Titans’ first field goal of the game. Tyjae Spears also saw limited action but broke off a 22-yard reception on a wheel route, reminding fans of his big-play potential from last season.

Wide receiver play was another storyline to watch. With DeAndre Hopkins resting and veteran free agent addition Tyler Boyd playing only sparingly, the door was open for young receivers to make their mark. Second-year wideout Colton Dowell caught four passes for 48 yards and made a spectacular toe-tapping sideline grab in the third quarter. Rookie Jha’Quan Jackson added a 29-yard punt return and showcased his quickness on a pair of bubble screens, suggesting he could find a role as a gadget player or return specialist.

Defensively, the Titans had a harder time establishing dominance. The Buccaneers, led by backup quarterback Kyle Trask for most of the night, moved the ball efficiently through the air and took advantage of breakdowns in Tennessee’s secondary. Tampa Bay amassed 378 total yards, including 238 passing yards, and converted six of their 11 third-down attempts.

Rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa, selected in the fourth round, had a tough assignment against Tampa Bay’s speedy wideouts but showed resilience after giving up a 28-yard completion in the second quarter. He later broke up a crucial third-down pass in the red zone, flashing the physicality that made him a Day 3 gem.

Veteran linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair led the team with five tackles in limited action, and second-year edge rusher Caleb Murphy recorded a sack and a forced fumble in the third quarter, giving the Titans a brief surge of momentum. However, the defense struggled with missed tackles and occasional miscommunication in coverage, something that Callahan and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson acknowledged postgame.

Special teams were a mixed bag. Kicker Nick Folk converted his only field goal attempt from 42 yards, and rookie punter Jack Browning averaged a respectable 45.3 yards per punt with solid hang time. However, the kickoff coverage unit allowed a 49-yard return in the second half that set up a short Buccaneers touchdown drive, prompting concern from special teams coordinator Colt Anderson.

Still, the overwhelming storyline from the night was the debut of Cam Ward and what it might mean for the Titans moving forward. While Levis remains the presumptive starter, the quarterback room has more intrigue and upside now than it has in years. Ward’s dual-threat ability adds a dynamic the Titans haven’t had since the days of a young Marcus Mariota, and his calmness in the face of pressure is already setting him apart from typical rookie quarterbacks.

Fans leaving Nissan Stadium were abuzz with talk of Ward’s debut, and even in the face of a preseason loss, the energy surrounding the team felt renewed. Tennessee has spent the last few years in a transitional phase, moving on from the Mike Vrabel era and recalibrating their identity. With Brian Callahan’s offensive pedigree and the influx of young talent on the roster, there’s a clear vision forming—one that may not produce immediate results but is already laying the foundation for sustained success.

Looking ahead, the Titans will head to Minnesota for joint practices with the Vikings before their second preseason game. That will provide Ward and the rest of the young offense a valuable opportunity to face another team’s starters in controlled settings. It will also allow the coaching staff to continue evaluating key position battles, especially at wide receiver, cornerback, and along the offensive line, where depth remains a concern.

The preseason is often dismissed by fans and pundits alike as a mere formality—a glorified scrimmage. But for rebuilding teams like the Titans, every snap is critical. It’s a chance to develop chemistry, test philosophies, and, as Cam Ward demonstrated, identify future building blocks.

One game does not define a career, but it can certainly shape a narrative. For Cam Ward, the story begins with a promising debut that exceeded expectations and offered a glimpse of what could be. Whether he becomes the face of the franchise or serves as a valuable backup, his performance against the Buccaneers proved one thing: he belongs.

As the Titans continue their preseason journey, they do so with a little more hope, a little more direction, and perhaps most importantly, a little more fire under center.