This veteran receiver didn't help the Titans rookie QB
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Titans fans were far from thrilled with this receivers performance.
The Tennessee Titans once again find themselves searching for answers. After picking up their first preseason win, 23-20, the team seems to be on the right track. QB issues prevailed in Week 1 while this receiver is currently the talk of the town.
Cam Ward was without Calvin Ridley or Tyler Lockett in Atlanta. Knowing the situation, Ward went out and completed just two of his seven passes. While the completion percentage and box score don’t seem to indicate it, the Miami graduate had a much better performance.
Van Jefferson’s Drop Changed Everything for Cam Ward
Van Jefferson finds himself at the center of attention as he changed the course of Ward’s game. The sixth year NFL veteran was Ward’s only safety blanket as the rest of his receiving core was inexperienced rookies. Ward targeted the former 2020 2nd round pick on a ball that had to make its way through three Falcons defenders.
Yikes: Van Jefferson dropped what would have been Cam Ward’s first NFL touchdown…😳😬pic.twitter.com/Q3sbOeLboL
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 15, 2025
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For those that didn’t watch the game, many would think 2/7 for 42 yards is a sluggish performance. In fact, the only sluggish performance belonged to Jefferson. Had the 29-year-old hauled in this target, it would’ve changed the course of not only his season, but the way the media discusses 2025’s No. 1 overall pick.
Ward is one of the least talked about No. 1 picks in forever. He went 5/8 last week with 67 yards, putting his preseason totals at 7/15 for 109 yards. Ward is searching for his first NFL touchdown, something Jefferson’s catch would’ve guided him towards. Ultimately, Ward will move forward but will be left wondering what could’ve been in Atlanta.
Titans Fan Irate with Van Jefferson
The Tennessee faithful has seen enough of Jefferson. The former Los Angeles Rams player moved to Atlanta just five games into the 2023 season. Last year, he recorded only 24 receptions for 276 yards as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He did haul in two touchdowns which was a step in the right direction as he didn’t have any in ’23.
Jefferson signed a one-year, $1.67 million deal to come to Tennessee. It’s not a deal that made him rich, and it’s one that added key depth to Ward’s receiving core. Ultimately, Titans fans are making it clear they don’t want him to make the roster.
Van Jefferson told Cam Ward that he thought the ball was too out in front on his drop.
Nice to see Cam defending his teammate and taking accountability.
Thoughts??? #Titans #TitanUp
(🎥 @Titans) pic.twitter.com/ZSvx0wih2g
— SharmSports (@SharmSports) August 16, 2025
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“If Van Jefferson makes the roster and Xavier Restrepo doesn’t, we riot,” this fan said. Another was less than pleased with the veteran’s assessment that Ward placed the ball “too out in front,” Ward did take accountability for his throw and said he’ll, “put it on his chest next time.”
“Still can’t believe Van Jefferson dropped this,” one fan commented. Someone else contributed, “Titans fans to Van Jefferson as soon as he lands in Nashville” with a GIF telling him to get out. A quality image was used by this fan who said, “Society when Van Jefferson is no longer a Tennessee Titan.”
The debate between Jefferson and Xavier Restrepo runs deep through Titans fans. Restrepo is a 23-year-old rookie who played with Ward at Miami last season. After failing to haul in either of his targets in Week 1, Restrepo secured both of his receptions for 18 yards in Atlanta.