The Tennessee Titans found themselves at the bottom of the NFL in passing offense following the conclusion of all Week 1 games, with 62 yards passing. Cam Ward finished his NFL debut with 112 yards on 12-28 passing, a 7.4 QBR, and was sacked six times for a loss of 50 yards against a stingy Denver Broncos defense.
However, the rookie quarterback showed flashes of why he was taken first in the 2025 NFL Draft, specifically his completion to running back Tony Pollard on the game's opening drive. On his first career pass attempt on 3rd & 10, he escaped pressure and avoided a sack when he noticed Pollard at his check down point at the last second for a 29-yard gain.
Unfortunately, that was his longest completion of the game as Ward was failed by those around him. He had some rookie blunders too, like taking unnecessary sacks in scoring situations, but his opening game will be remembered by the lack of plays made by the wide receiver group.
Titans pass catchers need to maximize their opportunities
Pollard led the Titans in receiving on Sunday via that third-down play on the opening drive. The usually reliable Calvin Ridley had a forgettable day with 27 yards on four receptions, including three dropped passes. The Titans' rookies showed glimpses of potential, but Elic Ayomanor was robbed of an additional 20 yards after Brian Callahan failed to challenge an incomplete catch that appeared to be completed by Ayomanor.
Also, rookie tight end Gunnar Helm slightly bobbled his first target while stepping out of bounds on Tennessee's opening possession, which would've given him an additional 17 yards. The Titans have ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in passing yards each of the last four seasons, and are already trending to be in the same position again this season.
There is a lot of blame to go around following their Week 1 performance, which has plenty of fans salty about the outcome. The pass-catching room has to be at the top of the list after having a day full of missed opportunities to secure a winnable game for a franchise trying to reverse its losing ways of the last three seasons.
Their schedule doesn't get easier with the Los Angeles Rams coming to Nashville this Sunday after limiting the Houston Texans to 151 yards passing, including two sacks and an interception. If the Titans want to become a winning franchise again, they must figure out their passing game issues.