Cam Ward was the center of attention following the Tennessee Titans' first padded practice of training camp. While the young quarterback made several impressive plays, he also fell short of expectations in a few moments throughout the day.
The Positives From Cam Ward on Day One of Preseason Pads
The Titans' gunslinger was involved in several big plays during the first day of training camp. While some wide receivers had relatively quiet performances, others consistently stood out; arguably the receiver who made the biggest impression while working with Ward was Wan'Dale Robinson, a player Ward clearly trusts, even stating that Robinson has a key to his house.
The two connected on several explosive plays throughout the day as Ward found success operating off play-action concepts. He also made a deep throw over the middle that split the linebackers. Another major note from the day was that Ward connected with veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley in several key moments, most notably converting a third-and-15 with a 20-yard completion to the standout receiver.
Ward also made an effort to get tight end Gunnar Helm involved during practice, continuing to build chemistry with one of the Titans' young offensive weapons. Helm has big receiving shoes to fill after the departure of Chigoziem Okonkwo during the offseason.
The Negatives From Cam Ward on Day One of Preseason Pads
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The Titans' quarterback had his roughest practice of training camp to date, committing more mistakes than he had in previous sessions. He finished the day with two costly interceptions, marking his first multi-turnover performance of camp.
The first play that went wrong for Ward came when he rolled to his right and attempted to throw back across his body. Amani Hooker baited the quarterback into the mistake before coming away with the interception. While it was a poor decision by Ward, Hooker deserves plenty of credit for reading the play and making an outstanding break on the ball. He also turned the interception into a significant return.
The second interception came on another rollout to his right, where Jermaine Johnson II undercut the throw and came away with the takeaway. It was another costly mistake by the young quarterback, while Johnson II continued to build on what was an outstanding day and cemented himself as one of the biggest winners from practice.
