Cam Ward and Tennessee Titans: Prime-time anomalies
'It wasn't intentional.' NFL VP of broadcast planning Mike North told the Ross Tucker Podcast when asked about the Titans. 'You don't draft your way into prime-time, you play your way into prime-time.'
Advertisement
North was absolutely correct: The Titans did not earn a spot in prime-time after a miserable 3-14 campaign that led them to the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. However, his statement doesn't necessarily fit with the league's recent broadcast history and is somewhat of a contradiction.
Ward is the first quarterback drafted first overall in the draft to not have a prime-time game as a rookie since the Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton with the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
Ward is the 10th quarterback drafted with the top pick since 2011 and the nine previous quarterbacks all had prime-time games regardless of the record of their team during the previous season.
Looking at more recent history, Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears had three prime-time games in 2024 and Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers had two in 2023. If you want to go back to the start of this decade, Joe Burrow had one in 2020 and Trevor Lawrence had one in 2021.
Advertisement
With over a decade of evidence showing that drafting a quarterback No. 1 overall will earn you at least one prime-time game, it is easy to see why fans question the NFL and how they assemble their schedule. Their actions in reality don't match their talking points.
As Ward and the Titans settle in for his rookie campaign, they hope that history will repeat itself and Ward will develop into the electric playmaker Newton became during his career and make the league take notice of his talents. Then, becoming a staple in prime time.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Cam Ward and Titans: Prime-time anomalies
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Live updates and highlights from from Dolphins' first joint practice with Lions
The Miami Dolphins' second joint practice of the year is underway and it comes against the team that finished the 2024 regular season tied for the best record in the NFL. The Detroit Lions have lofty Super Bowl hopes and promise to be a strong test for the Dolphins in Wednesday and Thursday practices, as well as on Saturday afternoon in a preseason matchup. According to one Lions linebacker, it may be too strong of a test for Miami. Follow along here as we track all the latest updates and developments from the first of two joint practices between the Dolphins and Lions: Dolphins-Lions joint practice updates This will be updated throughout the day Chop Robinson carted off The Dolphins' star edge rusher suffered an injury Wednesday with one onlooker observing that Robinson appeared to be favoring his arm or shoulder. A couple early interceptions for QB Zach Wilson Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle back on the field The Dolphins' pair of starting receivers are among the players who returned from injury and are available Wednesday. Jaelan Phillips is among those still out of action. a This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins vs. Lions: Live updates, highlights from first joint practice
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Patriots-Vikings 2025 joint practice: Live updates and highlights
The New England Patriots go on the road for the first of two joint training camp practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday. This will be a rare opportunity for the Patriots to test themselves against one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. The Vikings are loaded on the offensive side of the ball, and on defense, they have one of the best defensive minds in the league, Brian Flores, running the show. The Patriots impressed in their one joint practice session with the Washington Commanders last week, and they followed that up with a 48-18 blowout win in their preseason opener. Can they carry that momentum into Minnesota this week? We will be bringing you live updates and highlights from the joint training camp practice between the Patriots and Vikings. Practice will begin shortly The first practice between the Patriots and Vikings is slated to begin at 1 p.m. ET. Check back on this page for updates. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots-Vikings 2025 joint practice: Live updates and highlights
Newsweek
23 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Three Players to Watch in Patriots' Week 2 Preseason Game
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Opening night of the NFL season is a day closer and with that, Week 2 of the preseason is also inching closer. The New England Patriots could be one of the surprise teams across the league this season and getting contributions from young players will play a key part. With roster crunches eventually coming, Week 2 of the preseason will be important for these three players. FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 08: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots reacts with TreVeyon Henderson #32 after carrying the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game... FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 08: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots reacts with TreVeyon Henderson #32 after carrying the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. MoreTreVeyon Henderson, Running Back Henderson had one of the standout performances in Week 1, and he will look to continue that success in Week 2. The second-round draft pick returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in his first play as a professional. He added 30 total yards on offense. Saturday's game against the Minnesota Vikings will be a chance for him to prove he can do it multiple weeks in a row. THE FIRST TIME HE TOUCHED THE BALL IN THE NFL!!!!@TreVeyonH4 | @NFL 📺: WBZ — New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 8, 2025 Efton Chism III, Wide Receiver Much like the previously mentioned Henderson, Chism had an excellent performance in New England's first preseason game. He led the Patriots with six catches, 50 yards and a touchdown in his first professional game. Saturday against Minnesota will be a chance for him to showcase his talent in consecutive games. A good performance in back-to-back weeks could solidify Chism's place on New England's 53-man roster. Andy Borregales/Parker Romo, Kicker Borregales and Romo are locked in a battle for the starting kicker job that could last the rest of the preseason. New England had six extra points and two field goals in Week 1, with Borregales and Romo splitting those kicks with four each. Romo drilled a 57-yarder, which could mean that he is currently the favorite to win the job. Borregales will need to prove that he can also hit from long range if he has hopes of winning the job. More NFL: Bills Make $48 Million Contract Decision on Pro Bowler James Cook: Report
