Tennessee Titans fans received their first look at franchise quarterback Cam Ward during this past weekend's rookie minicamp. It was an exciting glimpse into the future. Head coach Brian Callahan and the coaching staff will now regroup while continuing to make tweaks to the offense ahead of OTAs and training camp.
Callahan is attempting to make Ward comfortable within his offense. Part of that includes adopting concepts and play-calls Ward is familiar with from his time at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami. The No. 1 overall quarterback famously asked Callahan to include a certain play in Tennessee's playbook just moments after being drafted.
Callahan possesses interest in helping Ward make a seamless transition. In an interview with ESPN's Kevin Clark earlier this offseason, Callahan reflected on working with Joe Burrow as a rookie, saying he treated his first season in Cincinnati as an extension of his time at LSU. The Titans should essentially do something similar with Ward, building on what he did successfully at Miami last year.
With that in mind, we've identified three offensive concepts Callahan should include in his playbook for Ward this coming season.
Offensive plays the Titans should include for Cam Ward in 2025
Switch Verts
"Switch Verts" was the play Ward specifically requested Callahan to have in the playbook. It's a staple of the "Air Raid" offense, a system Ward learned and operated at Incarnate Word and Washington State. It's a relatively simple variation of the traditional Four Verticals concept, with two or more of the receivers criss-crossing at the beginning of their routes, attempting to confuse defensive backs post-snap.
Often, Miami would attach a pre-snap motion to the Switch Verts concept, which could help Ward identify the coverage based on how the defense reacts. That would provide Ward with an early advantage in terms of where his eyes should be directed post snap.
"Switch Verts was his best play," Coach Eric Morris, who coached Ward at UIW and Washington State, recently told Titan Sized. "I thought Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson did a great job incorporating some of the things Cam really liked. He runs that [Switch Verts] better than any QB I’ve been around."
Y-Cross
"Y-Cross" is another recurring play-call in the Air Raid offense. Traditionally speaking, it's a drop-back concept that can be utilized from different personnel groupings, with the option to include play action. Coach Callahan will appreciate its versatility. Y-Cross is designed to take deep vertical shots down the field, with the ability to pivot to intermediate completions if the defense successfully takes the deep shot away.
Ward's ability to quickly dissect defenses and make good decisions made Y-Cross a successful play-call for him. It's easy to envision a tight end like Chig Okonkwo as the designed crossing route runner into the seam in this concept, but it's versatile. A veteran slot receiver like Tyler Lockett (or kicking Calvin Ridley inside for a speedier option) could be the designed route-runner across the field between the linebacker and safety, with Tony Pollard or Tyjae Spears stretching the flat to the boundary.
RPO
Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson did an outstanding job blending Air Raid concepts with run-pass-option (RPO) calls. Ward's pocket presence led to him consistently making good decisions. Miami's game against Cal, arguably Ward's best tape from this past season, included one throw where he made the right read on an RPO to flick a go-ahead touchdown to tight end Elijah Arroyo.
A quick-hitting slant route by Xavier Restrepo led to a ton of high-volume success. Restrepo, who led the Hurricanes in receiving yards with 1,127, signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent. When second-level defenders would attack downhill on a RPO, Ward often pulled the ball and threw the slant route. Quick in-breaking routes (like a "glance") were also prevalent with Ward manipulating defenders with his eyes, causing them to creep downhill.