Latest news with #CamWard
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tennessee Titans' Cody Barton on early impact, 'scheme lets us play fast'
When the Tennessee Titans signed linebacker Cody Barton as an unrestricted free agent, they set out to completely rebuild their linebacking corps around him. So far, that decision appears to be paying off. Barton came into his first training camp with the Titans and exceeded all expectations early in his tenure. The veteran linebacker is playing fast and making plays. This is a welcome sight, especially in pass coverage, where the Titans struggled in 2024. At this point, he looks to be a tremendous upgrade over Kenneth Murray in the middle of the defense. There is no doubt that Barton has the athleticism and mindset to make an impact, but what has allowed him to make such a smooth transition into the Titans' defense early? Barton said it's familiarity with the scheme and his comfort level within the system. He broke this down while speaking with the media after practice on Thursday, while discussing his pick-off of Cam Ward early in the session. 'I was in a similar scheme last year, so coming here wasn't some crazy new (system),' he said. 'In this scheme, he lets us play fast. I feel like the scheme matches what I have to bring to the table.' Throughout the offseason and now into camp, Barton appears to be a natural fit in the defense and has been a thorn in Cam Ward's side the entire time. His interception on Thursday was his third of the young quarterback since offseason workouts began in May. But his goal isn't just to make life difficult for the Titans' quarterbacks; it's to help them all improve and grow as a team. With Barton appearing to be the answer at one linebacker spot, the attention will now turn completely to the battle for playing time next to him on defense, and that competition should go up a notch once pads go on Saturday for the first time in training camp. This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' Cody Barton on early impact, 'scheme lets us play fast'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Top NFL draft pick Cam Ward gives savage response to teammate's season-ending injury
If there was any doubt that the Tennessee Titans are now Cam Ward's team, the rookie quarterback made sure that he's only focused on himself. Ward's selection by the Titans was hardly a surprise, considering they struggled massively in 2024 under the poor play of Will Levis. When they drafted Ward, the Miami star got permission from Hall-of-Famer Warren Moon to don his No. 1 jersey that the team had 'retired'. But now, Ward will take the starting job uncontested (as opposed to 'virtually' uncontested) after Levis was confirmed to miss the rest of the season earlier this week. The Titans announced on Monday that Levis had underwent shoulder surgery and wouldn't be active for the 2025 season. When asked about how he took the news of his teammate's injury, Ward gave a somewhat ruthless response. 'I didn't really have a reaction. I focus on Cam Ward,' the rookie told reporters. Veteran backup Brandon Allen is set to take the QB2 spot while another career benchwarmer, Tim Boyle, is projected to slide up to QB3. After initially beginning the 2023 season on the bench, Levis replaced Ryan Tannehill for eight games in the middle of the campaign. Last year, Levis became the full-time starter for Tennessee, but did not put up the most impressive numbers. He finished with 2,091 yards - good for only 27th in the league. Levis even finished behind Jameis Winston, who only became the starter for the Cleveland Browns after Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending injury. Additionally, Levis finished the season with a QBR of 27.8 - good for 32nd in the NFL. He also put up a rough TD-INT ratio of 13 to 12. Levis missed five games in the 2025 season. First, he missed three games after injuring his AC joint in Week 3. Then, his poor performances led to him being benched for two weeks toward the end of the season. Now, Ward is set to get the start after a stellar season with the Miami Hurricanes in 2024. He is the first quarterback that the Titans have taken in the first round since they selected Marcus Mariota second overall in 2015. Ward is also the first first-overall pick that the franchise has had since the then-Houston Oilers took running back Earl Campbell in 1978.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy Football: Cam Ward has chance to be 'Bud Light version' of Jayden Daniels for Titans in rookie season
While expectations were high for QB Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders last season, there's no question no one saw that type of season coming. Daniels finished as the QB4 in fantasy football while also boosting the Commanders to a playoff berth and the NFC Championship Game. There's no surprise that we're already making comparisons between Daniels and his impact on the Commanders with 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward and his potential impact for the Tennessee Titans. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Daniels finished his rookie season with 3,568 passing yards, 25 TDs and 9 INTs while posting a 100.1 passer rating. He also ran for 891 yards and six TDs, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. Daniels also boosted the value of top WR Terry McLaurin, who had 1,096 receiving yards and 13 TDs to finish as the WR6 in fantasy last season. On a recent episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, analyst Matt Harmon revealed he thinks that Ward can give us a "Bud Light" version of what Daniels did for the Commanders last season, taking that offense from being a bottom-dweller to top-five in the NFL. In terms of scoring, the Titans ranked 27th in the NFL with 18.3 points per game. Tennessee was also towards the bottom in yards per game, ranking 26th with 304.2. Harmon points out there's still plenty of talent on the Titans offense. WR Calvin Ridley put together a decent season despite poor QB play with 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four TDs. They also have Tony Pollard (and Tyjae Spears) at RB and added more depth at WR with Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, plus a revamped offensive line. TE Chig Okonkwo is another name that pops out as a value if Ward can elevate the offense.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tennessee Titans' Cam Ward on Treylon Burks: 'He's going to be one of our best targets'
One of the things that happened Wednesday, on the first day of Tennessee Titans training camp, that flew under the radar was the return of Treylon Burks to full practice. Burks, who is returning from a torn ACL, has had an amazing recovery and, in many ways, is ahead of schedule. After participating in a limited fashion during OTAs and minicamp, Burks is settling in and preparing to battle a group of young receivers for his spot on the roster. After practice, Burks spoke with a reporter about his offseason and how it felt to be back on the field. The veteran receiver appears to be embracing the dynamics of the rebuilt receiver room as he works his way back to 100 percent. "It was a different type of offseason for me. Learn how to run, learn how to jump. Get back stronger, get back in shape, and catch up with where I left off to be out here," he said. Cam Ward also noticed Burks during team drills and singled him out during his first training camp media scrum. "He's going to be one of our best targets this year. Not a lot of guys at his size can move like him," he said. These comments were interesting and could have some legs. But there is still a long way to go in the camp, and nothing is set in stone. Ward has always had a reputation for being a great teammate and leader, and he could be using his platform to further motivate Burks. No matter what happens in training camp, Burks has worked his way into an opportunity. Now it is up to him to seize his moment and potentially live up to his draft pedigree. This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Cam Ward on Treylon Burks: 'He's going to be one of our best targets'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
It sounds like Titans coach Brian Callahan has found Cam Ward's backup
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan addressed the media before training camp practice on Wednesday, and while he didn't say it in so many words, it seems Brandon Allen will be the backup quarterback to Cam Ward to start the 2025 season. Allen was the backup quarterback to Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow from 2020 to 2022, when Callahan was the offensive coordinator. So, it stands to reason that he knows Allen pretty well as a player and a person, and trusts that he will not only be a mentor to Cam Ward, but a trusted backup who can step on the field in a pinch. Over his five seasons in the NFL, Allen has appeared in 18 games. He's completed 166 passes for 1,810 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's also thrown eight interceptions and been sacked 21 times, so he's experienced a little bit of everything on the professional football field. Nothing is official until it's official, but it seems that Ward is the starter with Allen as the backup, and Tim Boyle in the wings, with Will Levis officially placed on IR. This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Did Brian Callahan reveal which QB would back up rookie Cam Ward?
