It took Titans fans only one preseason game to fully buy into the Cam Ward hype

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward made his NFL debut in Saturday's 29-7 preseason Week 1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Brian Callahan had previously said Ward would play an offensive series or two. It ended up being two, and that was enough for Titans fans to be elated with their No. 1 overall pick.

Ward's opening drive lacked excitement. His first passing attempt occurred on a second-and-five after a Tony Pollard five-yard run. Van Jefferson dropped a catchable albeit contested pass near the first-line marker. On third-and-long, Ward extended the pocket, but threw the ball out of bounds after nobody came open.

The Buccaneers embarked on a lengthy scoring drive to extend their lead to 10-0. Ward returned for his second (and final) offensive possession. That's when the fireworks occurred.

Titans QB Cam Ward dazzles in NFL debut

Ward's first passing attempt of the series saw him connect with go-to receiver Calvin Ridley for an explosive 27-yard gain. After a penalty backed the Titans into first-and-20, Ward completed another two passes to Ridley to move the chains. On a third-and-9 just three plays later, the former Miami quarterback shrewdly found Chig Okonkwo at the sticks for another chain mover.

After consecutive Tyjae Spears runs, Ward converted another third down, this time quickly finding Tyler Lockett on third-and-6 in a crucial red-zone situation from the 10-yard line. Lockett was tackled at Tampa's three-yard line. Pollard scored a rushing touchdown two plays later, putting a bow on a 12-play scoring drive led by Ward.

Ward's night ended there, with a 5-of-8 stat line for 67 yards. Callahan was undeniably satisfied with his rookie QB, who led a 65-yard scoring drive that featured explosive completions and multiple third-down passing conversions. Titans fans are thrilled with how their first-year signal-caller performed in his first real NFL test.