Cam Ward Starts Strong Despite Titans Fall to Buccaneers

The Tennessee Titans are leaving the Sunshine State with a rain cloud over their heads after losing 29-7 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

The Titans began the game with their defense on the field for over 14 of the 15 minutes in the first quarter. Two long Bucs offensive possessions led to just three points while the Titans went three-and-out on their first drive, which only spanned 58 seconds.

The Bucs went up 10-0 on the first play of the second quarter with a two-yard run from Sean Tucker, but the Titans responded with a strong drive led by No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.

In Ward's shining moment of the game, he went 5 of 6 for 67 yards on a drive that spanned over 6:30 while lasting 11 plays for 65 yards. The drive ended on a one-yard run from starting running back Tony Pollard to cut the deficit to 10-7, but it was the only time Tennessee would score during the game.

The Titans had chances to score during the third quarter, but a turnover on downs inside the red zone and an interception from Brandon Allen sucked out any momentum the team had on offense. The Tampa offense wasn't much better, committing a red zone turnover of its own.

Titans cornerback Davion Ross recovered a fumble from Buccaneers wide receiver Jacob Harris at the Tennessee 13-yard line, erasing any chance of Tampa scoring on that drive.