The Cam Ward era began for the Tennessee Titans on Sunday as they dropped their Week 1 game of the 2025 campaign 20-12 to the Denver Broncos. Ward was better than advertised against an excellent Broncos defense, completing 12-of-28 passing attempts for 112 yards, zero touchdowns and interceptions. It was a performance the young quarterback will proudly reflect on, given the challenge, and lack of help he received from his teammates.
The new-look Titans are still gelling and gathering chemistry. That was evident against a Broncos team fresh off a playoff appearance and with higher expectations for 2025. Brian Callahan's squad is still in the rebuilding phase, and they looked sloppy.
Which players managed to stand out — for better or worse? Let's analyze what occurred throughout Sunday's regular-season opener with the Broncos by identifying a handful of standouts and duds.
Standout: Cam Ward
The moment never looked too big for Ward, who was poised and accurate in a difficult environment that comes with climate challenges. Tennessee's rushing attack and offensive line rarely did Ward any favors. The offense in general, besides the quarterback, looked out of sync while making various self-inflicted wounds. The first impression on the No. 1 overall quarterback was a positive one.
Dud: Brian Callahan
Coach Callahan was oddly conservative at times, and got aggressive at the absolute wrong time. With the Titans on their own one-yard line with under a minute remaining, the Titans should have ran the ball and taken a 6-3 lead into halftime. Instead, Callahan called three consecutive passing plays that went incomplete, forcing a punt with 40 seconds left on the clock. The Broncos took immediate advantage, scoring a touchdown two plays later, giving them the halftime lead.
Dud: Dan Moore Jr.
At one point, Ward appeared to have escaped a muddy pocket to scramble for a first down. Dan Moore was flagged for holding, costing the Titans 20 yards. The Titans paid Moore $82 million this offseason to help protect Ward. He routinely gave up pressures to Nik Bonitto, and that aforementioned penalty was a drive killer. The rushing attack also had little-to-no success running left.
Standout: Roger McCreary
The Titans decided to extend Amani Hooker's contract earlier this week. Cornerback Roger McCreary is also entering a contract year, and they'll let the scenario play out. McCreary intercepted Bo Nix in the first half on an ill-advised cross-body throw that saw the undersized cornerback impressively out-jump Courtland Sutton.
Dud: Tony Pollard
The Titans' usually reliable running back lost just one fumble throughout the 2024 season. Well, Tony Pollard already matched last year's total during a first-half drive that was making good progress. Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga dislodged the football with a well-timed hit and the Broncos recovered.
Standout: Chimere Dike
After Callahan's second-quarter coaching gaffe ended in a Courtland Sutton TD, rookie wideout Chimere Dike returned the ensuing kickoff to Denver's 24-yard line. With precious time remaining, Joey Slye came out for the field goal. Dike essentially limited Callahan's coaching mistake to a four-point error, as opposed to a seven-point one.