The Tennessee Titans got their first real look at No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward on Saturday night, and while the scoreboard didn’t favor them in a 29-7 preseason-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the rookie quarterback provided a glimpse of why the franchise believes he’s the future.
Ward’s stat line was modest — 5-of-8 passing for 67 yards — but the 6-foot-2, 219-pound signal-caller looked composed and comfortable in his first taste of NFL action. Playing just two series, Ward orchestrated an 11-play, 65-yard second-quarter touchdown drive that accounted for all of Tennessee’s points.
That possession began with a 27-yard strike over the middle to Calvin Ridley, who was Ward’s favorite target on the night. Ridley hauled in three catches from Ward for all but 15 yards of the scoring drive. A sharp 13-yard pass into Bucs territory set up Tony Pollard’s 1-yard plunge into the end zone.
The touchdown march was particularly impressive given the sluggish start Tennessee endured. The Titans’ offense was sidelined for more than 14 minutes in the first quarter as Tampa Bay built a 10-0 lead and a staggering 143-5 yardage advantage, running 22 plays to Tennessee’s three.
Ward avoided turnovers and wasn’t sacked, though he did have one close call — a sideline throw intended for Elic Ayomanor that Bucs cornerback Josh Hayes nearly intercepted but couldn’t secure.
After Ward’s departure, backups Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle split time, with Boyle throwing a late interception returned for a touchdown to seal the lopsided result.
On the other side, Tampa Bay’s regulars were mostly spectators. Baker Mayfield sat out, giving way to Kyle Trask, who made the most of the opportunity. Trask completed 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards, guiding the Bucs to a pair of field goals and a 2-yard Sean Tucker touchdown run in the first half. Rookie free agent Connor Bazelak handled the second-half snaps.
First-round pick Emeka Egbuka also made his Bucs debut, starting at wide receiver in place of the resting Mike Evans and injured Chris Godwin. Egbuka’s lone reception was a highlight — a 21-yard leaping grab in tight coverage.
Titans: Stay on the road with joint practices against the Atlanta Falcons before an Aug. 15 preseason matchup in Atlanta.
Buccaneers: Head to Pittsburgh midweek for joint practices and a preseason game against the Steelers next Saturday.
