The Tennessee Titans aren't expected to compete for a playoff spot in 2025. Heck, it may take them a couple of years before they truly become a threat in the AFC South. However, that doesn't mean that the Jacksonville Jaguars cannot afford to take them lightly, especially in light of how things are unfolding in training camp.
By now, you have probably heard that the Titans drafted Cam Ward first overall in 2025. If you didn't, now you know. The point is that they already saw enough of Will Levi and realized that they needed an upgrade at quarterback.
Throughout the offseason, Ward has shown promise on and off the field, already displaying leadership traits. And with Levi undergoing shoulder surgery, he's all but guaranteed to start for Tennessee in 2025.
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Why the Jaguars need to keep close tabs on Cam Ward
A quarterback can quickly change the fortunes of a team from one year to the next. For proof, look at the 2024 Washington Commanders. Although he wasn't the sole reason for their turnaround last season, Jayden Daniels played a massive role in helping them steer the ship in the right direction.
Circling back to Cam Ward, he's looked promising throughout training camp, routinely connecting with wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Even though Ridley dropped passes at an alarming rate during his stint with the Jags, he's routinely proven to be a WR1 throughout his career. Despite the fact that the Alabama product was catching passes from the underwhelming Will Levi for most of the 2024 season, he still managed to get close to the 1,000-yard mark. If his connection with Ward keeps getting better, it could turn out to be a problem for Jacksonville.
On the other hand, the Titans don't have a receiver threat outside Ridley. They just accepted defeat and released former first-round bust Treylon Burks. Sure, Tyler Lockett is a fine option in their passing game, but he probably isn't the same player who posted five straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Seattle Seahawks in the early 2010s.
The rest of the Titans' wide receiver corps doesn't instill fear, nor will be keeping defensive coordinators awake the day before the game. Compounding the issue is that their offensive line leaves a bit to be desired despite the fact that Tennessee went ahead and signed left tackle Dan Moore in free agency.
When you add it all up, Cam Ward may not have a great supporting cast in his rookie season. Then again, he could still give the Titans a fighting chance week in and week out. And given how tough divisional games can get, the Jaguars cannot afford to take him lightly, even though he's just a rookie.
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