Life as a No. 1 overall pick is usually pretty rough as a rookie, and Cam Ward quickly learned that during the Tennessee Titans’ Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. The Titans were actually far more competitive than many thought they would be, losing 20-12, but Tennessee had far too many costly moments to win Sunday’s game.
While Ward had his fair share of mistakes, he had some very promising moments late in the game as the Titans tried to tie things up. Unfortunately, the rookie quarterback didn’t get much help from his pass catchers late in the game, as they didn’t live up to their name. Ward made multiple impressive throws late in the game that ultimately fell in complete.
After one of the dropped passes, Ward’s father was captured in the crowd feeling all the emotions of someone who wanted Tennessee to win the game. The typically reserved Calvin Ward was seen on the broadcast getting out of his seat, walking over and grabbing the bannister, and hanging his head.
Cam Ward's dad is stressed in the stands.
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 7, 2025
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/CwZYJHcO0B
Titans pass catchers are stressing fans out with drops
The drops were just one of many problems that led to Tennessee losing. Head coach Brian Callahan had some head-scratching moments throughout the game, Ward had some really bad sacks, like most rookies do, and the team as a whole just didn’t play a consistent game. In the end, the Titans looked like a team going through a rebuild.
In addition to the loss, it was a debut to forget for Ward, who completed just 12-of-28 passes for 112 yards. The rookie also lost a fumble, and was sacked six times for a loss of 50 total yards. There should be brighter days ahead for the Titans, but for now, all Titans fans are left feeling like Ward’s father.