Titans' Cam Ward Engages in Scuffle With Star Teammate
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Rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, has been a bit of a mixed bag so far in preseason play. In his first preseason game a week ago, he completed five of eight pass attempts for 67 yards, but on Friday, he was just two of seven.
Still, the Titans and their fans are hopeful that the team has found its first true franchise quarterback since Warren Moon led them back in the days when they were known as the Houston Oilers.
There was a dust-up involving Ward at practice on Monday, however. Ward reportedly got into a scuffle with star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons after making a pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley for a touchdown, per ESPN.
"Ward threw a touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley toward the end of practice and went to celebrate," wrote Turron Davenport. "The rookie quarterback stopped and gave Simmons a shove before doing his trademark 'Zombieland' celebration in front of him. Simmons reacted with a two-hand push to Ward's facemask, and the offensive line ran to Ward's defense."
"... Simmons and Ward were separated, but that was after Simmons' helmet was pushed off during the scuffle. Ward returned for the next play while Simmons came off the field. Practice was over two plays later. Titans coach Brian Callahan had the team run after practice."
Read more: NFL Insider Provides New Update on Chiefs' Rashee Rice
The Titans, who were tied for the NFL's worst record last year at 3-14, are generally not expected to make the playoffs this year. But they do have a few building blocks that could serve as the foundation for a playoff team not too long from now.
Friday's NFL preseason doubleheader kicks off in Atlanta, where Cam Ward and the Titans will face the Falcons.
Friday's NFL preseason doubleheader kicks off in Atlanta, where Cam Ward and the Titans will face the Falcons.Ridley is a proven threat at the wide receiver position, and his presence should make things considerably easier on Ward. Running back Tony Pollard is a solid innings-eater, and Simmons is a presence opponents have to account for.
Last year, Simmons had five sacks, nine quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and 76 total tackles (41 solo). That production earned him his third trip to the Pro Bowl in his six seasons in the league.
Read more: 49ers' Brock Purdy Gets Honest About Christian McCaffrey
In 2024, Ward, while at the University of Miami, logged 4,313 passing yards and an NCAA FBS-high 39 touchdown passes. He won several individual awards, including the ACC Player of the Year award, the Manning Award and the Davey O'Brien Award.
While there have been some questions about his modest size (he's 6-foot-2 and roughly 220 pounds), he emerged as the best signal-caller available in the 2024 draft by the first days of spring.
For more on the Titans and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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