Cam Ward Impresses in Titans Preseason Debut as NFL Fans Hype Calvin Ridley Connection

Tennessee Titans fans are excited about the potential rookie quarterback Cam Ward showed during his NFL preseason debut.

The top pick of the 2025 NFL draft led the Titans on a touchdown drive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Saturday's preseason opener in Florida.

Some fans believed that drive, during which Ward went 5-for-6 for 67 yards, showed he has the potential to develop into the Titans' future franchise quarterback.

Ward went three and out as the Titans' first drive stalled, first with an incomplete pass to Van Jefferson and then when the quarterback threw away the ball under pressure from the Bucs' pass rush.

The Titans didn't get the ball back again in the first quarter as Kyle Trask took almost 11 minutes leading the Buccaneers on an 80-yard touchdown drive.

Ward came back on in the second quarter and started out his next drive with a 27-yard pass to Calvin Ridley.

Ward marched the Titans up the field with two more short passes to Ridley as fans got excited about the connection between the rookie quarterback and veteran wideout:

An incomplete pass from Ward to Chigoziem Okonkwo almost got picked off, but Ward recovered to connect with Okonkwo for a third-down conversion.

Tony Pollard then brought the ball over the line to ensure the drive ended in a touchdown.

Brandon Allen came in to replace Ward ahead of the Titans' third drive of the game. Head coach Brian Callahan had previously stated his starters would play just one or two drives in the preseason opener.

Ward finished the game having gone 5-for-8. Most of his total yardage came from his connection with Ridley, who recorded 50 yards on three catches.

Titans fans could get their next look at Ward and Ridley when preseason action continues next Friday against the Atlanta Falcons.