Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has endured an up-and-down debut campaign. While there's undoubtedly been growth in recent weeks, the team is still 1-7 and the first-year signal caller is experiencing the typical growing pains that come with losing. Ward is learning how to successfully play quarterback in the NFL in a trial-by-fire rookie year.
One of the more disappointing aspects of the Titans' offense this season has been the pass protection. Despite pouring premium resources into the offensive line, Ward has been sacked on a league-high 34 occasions. While the protection has occasionally faltered him, Ward also has a penchant for holding onto the football while trying to extend plays.
Ward has been attempting to improve at taking his checkdowns. Going big-play hunting has sometimes led to unnecessary sacks or turnovers. Interim head coach Mike McCoy discussed Ward's growth opportunities with local beat writers earlier this week.
Titans rookie QB Cam Ward must learn to take what opposing defenses give him
"Over time, you learn that those checkdowns are your best friends," McCoy said. "Second-and-short, third-and-short, is a lot easier than playing behind the sticks. You hold the ball a little bit too long and get sacked. I think he's [Ward] learning."
Mike McCoy on Cam Ward learning to not hold the ball too long: One thing you learn is that check downs can be your best friend. pic.twitter.com/DPkQuUcKx1
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 29, 2025
Ward has shown growth, but his time-to-throw average indicates he's still occasionally holding onto the football. Ward's current release-time is 2.98 seconds, seventh-longest among quarterbacks who have taken 50% (or more) of their team's snaps this season, per Pro Football Focus.
Holding onto the football isn't automatically a negative trait. Some of the quarterbacks with longer average release times than Ward this season include Josh Allen, Drake Maye, and Jalen Hurts. And in Ward's case, it's occasionally led to big-time plays, including his miraculous first touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2.
But ultimately, Tennessee's protection issues indicate a quicker average release time would benefit Ward and the offense. No offense finds themselves in 3rd-and-long territory more than the Titans. Growth for Ward to conclude his rookie season means taking his checkdowns with more consistency.