We’re measuring Cam Ward’s progress during the preseason. The sophomore No. 1 overall pick played an improved game compared to his preseason debut against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. Ward’s marginal growth could have been significantly more obvious had his teammates capitalized on some missed opportunities.
Ward completed 8-of-12 passing attempts for 69 yards. He was sacked once. His completion percentage was much better than the below 50% he was versus the 49ers, and two drops could have had him finish his night 10-of-12 instead.
First, Carnell Tate dropped a pass near the sideline. It was a fade route that would have been a difficult catch, but Tate got his hands on the ball. More glaring, tight end Gunnar Helm totally wasted a beautiful off-script throw by Ward by failing to get his feet in-bounds despite having enough room to do so.
That’s not to indicate Ward was perfect. An issue of inaccuracy arose when he airmailed a ball for Tate that had enough open space to be a completion. He also carelessly fumbled the ball near the sideline and was fortunate to see it roll out of bounds.
Ward’s performance won’t draw much attention. He didn’t throw any touchdowns, lead any touchdown drives, nor did he commit any turnovers. Still, had Tate and Helm come up with receptions they should have made, the box score and narrative could have looked very different, and maybe the Titans get into the end zone during one of those possessions.
Ward was better versus the Seahawks than he was versus the 49ers, and that’s how progress is measured.
