A couple of days have passed since the Tennessee Titans pulled off a miracle comeback against the Arizona Cardinals, and the shock factor is still felt around the league. Part of that miracle was something that hasn't been done since former Titans quarterback Vince Young completed something similar during the 2006 season.
Starting quarterback Cam Ward displayed the type of poise in the fourth quarter of that game that made him the number one overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the 15-point fourth-quarter comeback victory, Ward became the first rookie quarterback since Young to win a game in such fashion.
Young showed promise that season, which was stamped by their comeback victory over the New York Giants, but the Titans need Ward to be better than their former first-round quarterback if they truly want to turn the franchise's current misfortunes around.
This needs to be the only accomplishment Ward shares with Young
Ward became the Titans' first-ever quarterback taken number one overall in the history of the franchise. However, he is the fourth quarterback they have taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2006, when they drafted Young with the third overall pick.
Young started 47 games for the Titans over five seasons and ended his tenure with the team with the same amount of touchdowns as interceptions (42). The beginning of Ward's career has been rough, but with flashes of what he can become with the right talent and coaching surrounding him.
With 193 passing yards in the fourth quarter and the clutch throw to Calvin Ridley to move the Titans into field goal range for his first game-winning drive, Ward secured his welcome to the NFL moment. He might have shared this accomplishment with another highly drafted Titans quarterback, but this moment needs to propel him to become more consistent as he progresses through the rest of his rookie season.