Yardbarker
x
Colts defender's backhanded compliment is a warning for Cam Ward
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Colts defender's backhanded compliment is actually a warning for Titans rookie QB Cam Ward

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has been doing his film study ahead of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, and it sounds like he is looking forward to facing rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

Ward threw the first touchdown pass of his NFL career in Tennessee's 33-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. He showed off both his athleticism and arm strength while rolling out to his right and throwing the ball back across his body into the end zone. The end result was a nine-yard touchdown pass to Elic Ayomanor, but the ball probably traveled more like 40-50 yards in the air.

Franklin was asked on Wednesday about the impressive throw. He praised the former Miami star for his physical talents but said he hopes Ward tries to make a throw across his body like that against Indy.

"I hope he throws that play again. It wasn't a good throw, but he's a talented player," Franklin said. "He can make all those throws. His arm angle, obviously, is exceptional. He's got zip on the ball. Like I said, he's the No. 1 overall pick for a reason.

"I was a fan of him in college. When you know you got a guy like that that's able to make plays, you just gotta make sure you stay on your assignments. But hopefully he throws that ball again."

Ward has had mixed results early on

Through his first two NFL two games, Ward has completed just 50.8% of his passes for 287 yards and a touchdown. He has yet to throw an interception, which is a positive sign. Ward also played a bit better in Week 2 against the Rams than he did in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, when he completed 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards.

One of the most difficult things for a rookie quarterback to do in the NFL is protect the ball. Ward's touchdown pass to Ayomanor was a sight to behold, but Franklin is right that it is the type of throw that can lead to disaster in the NFL. Tennessee's coaching staff will do their best to make sure Ward does not have to rely on making plays like that.

Steve DelVecchio

Steve is a veteran writer who has covered a variety of sports and pop culture topics for more than 15 years. In addition to Yardbarker, his work has been featured on prominent digital publications including Larry Brown Sports, MSN and FOX Sports. The UConn graduate has published more than 40,000 stories and is one of the most experienced trending news writers in the country

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!