Quarterback Cam Ward entered the 2025 NFL season with sky-high expectations as the Tennessee Titans’ first-round pick, but the start to his first season has been rocky. The hype after being drafted has already crashed into the tough reality of a 0-4 record, and while Ward isn’t the sole culprit, the headlines aren’t exactly flattering.

As per Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Tennessee’s offense has been struggling badly, and the analysts and fans wonder if the team’s struggles are tarnishing its franchise-record draft selection. Ward’s individual performance has been inconsistent and mediocre at best, according to Brugler. In four games, he’s thrown 51.2% completions, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, and shown flashes of the skill package that made him worthy of the first overall draft pick. The Titans’ offense is also responsible for the rookie’s issues.

However, there have been times when his mobility, pass accuracy, and defensive reading have shown the potential to be a franchise quarterback. Unlike other rookies, Ward is gaining valuable experience under adversity, something that could be worth it if the Titans do an organizational reshuffling of the offense.

The Titans’ bigger team issues are a grim reality. Tennessee leads the league in yards lost (210) and points scored (12.8) and possesses few reasons to expect an immediate turnaround. Ward threw for 108 yards in Week 4, while wide receiver Elic Ayomanor led the receiving corps with 44 yards.

Running back Tony Pollard was the principal player for the team with 64 rushing yards on 14 carries, but apart from him, the squad has not been giving much to the games. With such issues, the Titans might be set to be a bottom-team performer once again, which will put more pressure on Ward to improve his game and the team’s performance.

In Week 4, the Titans’ defense gave up 353 yards. Their offense failed to score for the first time since 2019. They failed to get the ball into the red zone at any point during Sunday’s game. On top of all this, Cam’s  23.4 QBR is among the worst in the league.

Brian Callahan on Cam Ward’s Post-game Statement

Ward wasn’t shy in the aftermath of the 26-0 rout at the hands of Houston. During post-game remarks, he criticized the offense, starting with himself. “If we keep it a buck right now, we a–,” Ward said, a blunt admission of frustration that, though honest, immediately put him in the headlines.

However, Titan’s head coach Brian Callahan did not seem as happy with Ward’s outspokenness. In a comment to the media, Callahan noted, “He’s learning to grow up in the NFL and learning the weight his words carry.” Not complaining, but somehow there seemed to be the implication that the coaching staff had been annoyed with Ward’s outspokenness.

Analyst Jimmy Morris added insight, speculating that Callahan’s reaction might be based on his own vulnerable situation. “It seems like Callahan didn’t like Ward being so transparent with his feelings when those feelings reflected poorly on him,” Morris said. “There’s been a lot of desperation from Callahan lately because he knows how close he is to losing his job.” Ward can be asked to apologize during his next interview, but others view his honesty as precisely what the team’s leadership needs.

Cam Ward’s rookie year is already a tale of unfulfilled promise, surrounded by an ineffective offensive line and increasing outside pressure. The Titans failed to support him in his initial weeks, being tougher than expected.

As of now, Cam Ward’s challenge is to boost production. The offense is struggling, the coaches are in the hot seat, and the team is in desperate need of some wins. Ward does have potential, but can he convert it into a consistent performance will be the question.