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3-Time Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman Reveals Advice He Gave Titans’ Cam Ward

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 2:04 PM ET

Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had advice for teammate Cam Ward, and it had nothing to do with limiting turnovers or reading a defense.

Ward impressed in Sunday’s victory over the injury-ravaged Kansas City Chiefs, completing 21 of 28 passes for 228 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Not only have the Titans won two of their last three games, but Ward has thrown just one interception over his past seven games.

Speaking with reporters Sunday afternoon, Simmons said he approached Ward after the game and shared a brief message with the No. 1 pick.

“I was like, ‘Don’t be the Grinch today,’” said Simmons, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro honoree.

In other words, Simmons wanted Ward to live in the moment and enjoy the victory, even if the Titans improved to just 3-12. Ward previously turned heads earlier this month after expressing frustration with his performance following a win over the Cleveland Browns.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam WardSteve Roberts-Imagn Images

“Cam has the right mindset,” Simmons continued. “That’s the reason why I don’t want to go nowhere. I see the competitive nature and the growth as a rookie of Cam. I could see where he could take this franchise.”

What to Know About Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans

Although Ward’s counting stats don’t jump off the page, he has flashed and tried to make the most of a difficult situation in Tennessee. Ward has completed 60.2% of his passes for 2,866 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

However, Ward’s 30.6 QBR ranks last among the league’s 32 qualified quarterbacks, and he has taken 51 sacks. His 9.31% sack percentage is sixth-worst in the NFL, and his 79.1 passer rating is ahead of only Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (71.2) with two games remaining.

The Titans added another obstacle when they fired head coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start. Opponents have outscored Tennessee 403-251, and the Titans would hold the No. 6 pick if the 2026 NFL Draft began today.

This throw by Cam Ward is ridiculous

KCvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/OA2smyrPjp
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025

There is no indication that the Titans intend to use their first-round pick on a quarterback and move on from Ward. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore are widely considered the draft’s top two quarterback prospects.

Tennessee closes its season against the New Orleans Saints (5-10) and division rival Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4). Jacksonville routed the Titans, 25-3, in Week 13 and remains in contention for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Titans as 3-point home underdogs (-118; bet $100 for a $184.75 payout) as of Dec. 22. Tennessee has not won consecutive games since November 2022.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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