Is Cam Ward Progressing?

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward showed growth in Sunday's 38-14 Week 8 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Ward completed 22-of-38 passing attempts for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He continues to improve despite the disasters going on around him.

Ward led an early scoring drive that resulted in a touchdown pass to fellow rookie Gunnar Helm. It was an outstanding play design that allowed Helm to uncover in the end zone. It was the first career touchdown for the fourth-round rookie tight end.

The Titans have failed Ward throughout his rookie season. They stripped then-head-coach Brian Callahan of playcalling duties three games into the campaign. Callahan was then fired after Week 6 and replaced by interim head coach Mike McCoy. Ward has had two playcallers and head coaches in his first year.

Ward continues to improve despite the circumstances. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft routinely extended the pocket versus the Colts, creating with his leg and arms. He threw with accuracy and anticipation. Ward is developing right on schedule despite the dysfunction.

Ward attempted two big-time throws and just one turnover-worthy play (TWP) against the Colts, per Pro Football Focus. That TWP was likely his 4th-and-goal interception when the Titans were trailing by multiple scores late. You can't fault Ward for trying to make a play in that spot.

Ward's average depth of target (aDOT) of 9.6 was his third-highest of the season. Ward continues to attempt plays down the field despite having Calvin Ridley sidelined with a hamstring injury, and mid-round rookie Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor serving as his Nos. 1 and 2 receivers.

The Titans' pass catchers were credited with two drops versus the Colts. Ward's big-time-throw percent (3.4%) is greater than his turnover-worthy play rate (2.3%). In fact, that TWP% is the eighth-lowest among full-time starting quarterbacks this season.

Ward's passer rating of 76.5 against the Colts was the fourth-highest of his rookie campaign, and his third consecutive game with a rating greater than 76. His adjusted QBR of 40.5 was his best of the campaign, according to ESPN Stats & Research. You're seeing Ward develop in real time.

Ward has now thrown for 1,615 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions. He's thrown for 220-plus yards in four consecutive outings and is now slated for a very respectable 3,431-yard rookie season. You'd like to see Ward's touchdown totals increase, but the Titans' fractured offense is largely to blame for the uninspiring results.

The Titans will hold a real coaching search in the offseason. They're currently slated to possess a top-three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a league-leading amount of cap space. With Ward showing legitimate promise, their vacancy could be more appealing to coaching candidates than the general public realizes. A good staff should do wonders for Ward’s sophomore season.

The Titans have failed Ward in every way imaginable throughout his rookie season, both in the personnel and coaching departments. His raw statistics are suffering as a result, though they are improving weekly, and the tape clearly shows a developing player with franchise quarterback potential. Ward is getting better every single week in less-than-ideal circumstances.