Cam Ward came into the NFL season with a lot of pressure on him.
He was tasked with taking over the starting QB job for the Tennessee Titans, an organization that’s struggled to find consistency at the position.
The Titans believed in him to take over, and while he showed some serious potential at the collegiate level, he now has to realize that potential at the next level.
If you just look at the box score, Ward’s NFL debut wasn’t anything special, which could be a cause for concern from an outsider’s perspective.
He finished Week 1 with a 42.9 completion percentage and threw for just 112 yards, which isn’t the stat line teams want from their starting QB.
However, the box score doesn’t tell the whole story, which is what analysts like Kurt Benkert have been trying to point out since his debut.
Benkert mentioned on X that Ward “showed flashes of Aaron Rodgers in his film against one of the best defenses in football in his first-ever start on the road.”
Cam Ward showed flashes of vintage Aaron Rodgers in his film against one of the best defenses in football in his first ever start on the road.
The guys around him have to be better.
But Ward’s ball placement, anticipation, and ability to change arm slots was top tier.
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) September 9, 2025
Starting his NFL career against a defense like the Denver Broncos’ was certainly a “welcome to the NFL” moment, but as Benkert mentioned, Ward still made the most of his opportunity.
He might not have had eye-catching stats, but he had several plays that showed his potential and the promise that he can be a solid NFL quarterback.
This team has a lot of holes that they’ll need to try to fill over the course of the season, but if Ward can keep improving and get opportunities against easier defenses, he’ll have an easier time showcasing what he can do.
The Titans’ Week 2 opponent is the Los Angeles Rams, and fans are itching to see what Ward can do in that matchup.
NEXT: Cam Ward Earns Notable Honor With Titans