Cam Ward shows chemistry with veteran WR in preseason debut

Tennessee Titians quarterback Cam Ward (1) works out before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Titans' Cam Ward shows instant chemistry with veteran WR in preseason debut

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 10:41 PM ET

Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward has arguably been one of the most overlooked No. 1 overall picks in recent memory, and it started on the night he was drafted. His selection was overshadowed by the presence of two-way star Travis Hunter and the slide of fellow quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Make no mistake, however, Ward is a legitimate talent, and he gave Titans fans a glimpse of what he can do in his preseason debut on Saturday.

The most encouraging thing about his performance might have been the instant chemistry he started to show with veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

Ward finished his appearance by completing 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards, with three of those completions and 50 yards going in Ridley's direction.

His first completion was a 27-yard connection with Ridley on the team's second offensive drive of the night.

Cam to Calvin for 27 yards and the first down!

: #TENvsTB on @WKRN & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/z1ilZ6zct2
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 10, 2025

That pass helped lead to an 11-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. It came after the Titans went three-and-out on Ward's first series.

The touchdown drive saw him complete 5-of-6 passes.

There is always going to be a learning curve for young quarterbacks, even the ones that get taken at the top of the draft. The one thing the Titans have done for Ward is surround him with a strong offensive line and given him a proven, veteran No. 1 target at wide receiver in Ridley.

Ridley is coming off his second-straight 1,000-yard season and should be a favorite target of Ward all season.

The Titans need Ward to succeed if they are going to contend in the near future, and they are going to need some patience with him. Having somebody like Ridley is certainly going to help.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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