Cam Ward’s Wild TD Shows the Upside - But Titans Still Stuck in Neutral
Cam Ward’s touchdown against the 49ers looked more like something you’d pull off in Madden than in a 2-12 NFL season. With the Titans inside the red zone, the rookie quarterback spun out of pressure, rolled right, and-just as it looked like the play was dead-fired a dart back across his body to a wide-open Jeffery Simmons in the back of the end zone.
Yes, that Jeffery Simmons. The All-Pro defensive tackle, moonlighting on offense, hauled in the score to cap off one of the most chaotic, creative plays of the year.
It was the kind of moment that flashes Ward’s raw talent and hints at the potential Tennessee is betting on. And fittingly, it was the team’s two foundational players-Ward and Simmons-connecting for the highlight.
But after the game, Ward wasn’t basking in the glory of the play. He was focused on what’s still holding the Titans back.
“It was good except for the three-and-outs. Offensive line is doing well up front,” he said.
That’s a telling quote from a young quarterback who’s already showing signs of leadership-and a clear-eyed view of where the offense is falling short.
Ward finished 18-of-29 for 170 yards and two touchdowns. No turnovers, no major mistakes.
But also, not a lot of sustained drives. The Titans moved the ball in spurts-especially when Ward was able to extend plays or get into a quick rhythm-but too many possessions fizzled before they even made the 49ers sweat.
His comment wasn’t a shot at the offensive line. If anything, it was an acknowledgment that the issues are broader.
The Titans aren’t staying ahead of schedule. They’re not stringing together enough positive plays to keep defenses honest.
And for an offense trying to grow around the No. 1 overall pick, those three-and-outs are momentum killers.
This isn’t new from Ward. After last week’s narrow win over the Browns, he said, “Winning still hides stuff,” and pointed out “a lot of flaws” the team needs to clean up.
Even in victory, he wasn’t sugarcoating anything. He knows the stat sheet wasn’t perfect.
He knows the offense isn’t where it needs to be.
And that’s exactly what you want to hear from your franchise quarterback.
Ward’s ability to make plays off-script is what gets fans excited. That touchdown to Simmons?
That’s the kind of creativity that can change games. But the next step in his development-and in this offense’s evolution-is consistency.
Sustained drives. Fewer empty possessions.
Turning flashes into full-on threats.
For now, the Titans are a team in transition. But if Ward keeps stacking experience and Simmons keeps anchoring the defense, the foundation is there.
The big plays show the upside. The honesty shows the mindset.
And that might be just as important as any highlight-reel touchdown.