Titans HC Robert Saleh defends Cam Ward — but he's running out of excuses for second-year QB

The Titans allowed 491 yards on 66 plays in the loss and folded on the game's final drive. Browns QB Deshaun Watson completed three passes for 50 yards, setting up a 32-yard game-winning field goal by kicker Andre Szmyt.

Ward, however, didn't make enough plays to put his team in a position to win. The QB finished 20-of-31 passing for 181 yards and one interception. The pick fell on him, as Ward's pass was just behind second-year wide receiver Elic Ayomanor, allowing cornerback Denzel Ward to grab it.

That type of performance has become par for the course for Ward in his first season under Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Entering Monday, he ranks 23rd among 33 eligible QBs in completion percentage (62 percent), 30th in passer rating (73.8) and second to last in yards per attempt (5.7). He has also thrown more interceptions (five) than touchdown passes (four).

How much longer should Cam Ward's leash be? 

The good news for the Titans is a QB can turn it around after early struggles. See Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers) and Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars), who each had 22 losses in their first two seasons, tied for the most in NFL history. 

Lawrence (14 TD passes, No. 4 in the NFL) led the Jaguars to the playoffs last season and is in the early MVP conversation after leading them to a 4-2 start. Young (12 TD passes No. 11 in NFL), meanwhile, guided the Panthers to the postseason last season and has positioned them to win the NFC South again after a 3-3 start. 

Ward must show the Titans he can do the same to justify their confidence. In Week 8, Tennessee faces the Cincinnati Bengals (4-2), led by QB Joe Burrow. Pulling off the road upset against a perennial MVP candidate would improve his stock, which has been trending down in recent weeks.  

Saleh clearly wants it to work with Ward, which is why he keeps preaching patience for the 24-year-old passer. That said, the coach can't keep waiting on the QB to reach his ceiling when it's apparent he's not close to it.