How Titans rookie QB Cam Ward is passing three-time Pro Bowler's trash-talking test

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward hasn't backed down from defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons at mandatory minicamp.

On Wednesday, Titans right tackle JC Latham said Ward head-butted Simmons when he got in his face during practice. They were probably bantering.

In a Tuesday news conference, Simmons said he's been jawing with the No. 1 overall pick throughout minicamp to test the former Miami Hurricanes star.

"It's fun," the three-time Pro Bowler said. "We went back and forth talking to smack to each other and he was able to get back in the huddle and throw the ball down the field. That was the most impressive thing, not talking smack to me, but being able to get back in the huddle, get the plays to the guys, and still be able to operate the offense." 

Ward's ability to run the offense while constantly trash-talking has also impressed Titans head coach Brian Callahan.

"I asked him after practice, 'Help me out here. Do you need me to wait until you're finished?' He goes, 'No, I'm listening,'" the coach told the media Wednesday. "It was pretty remarkable to see all the things going on, how much he's talking, but his brain is still with me."

Ward, 23, has been backing up his talk with his play in minicamp. During Tuesday's practice, he completed 20-of-21 passes, via Nick Suss of the Tennessean.

The Titans have yet to name a starting QB, but Ward should beat out third-year QB Will Levis. In his first two seasons with the Titans, Levis has a 5-16 starting record in the regular season. 

Ward won the 2024 Davey O'Brien Trophy as college football's best QB after tossing 39 touchdown passes in 13 games with Miami. 

It's still unclear if Ward can turn around the Titans after they went 3-14 last season, but at least his bravado has made teammates and coaches take notice.