Titans coach praises rookie QB Cam Ward’s poise in challenging NFL debut
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward made his highly anticipated NFL debut against the Denver Broncos, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. Despite facing a tough game, Ward’s performance caught the attention of his coaches, particularly quarterback coach Bo Hardegree, who highlighted the young player’s composure throughout the match.
Debut performance under pressure
Starting the game at Empower Field at Mile High, Ward completed less than 50 percent of his passes, leading the Titans to a 20-12 defeat. However, the significance of simply stepping onto the field as a starting quarterback in the NFL cannot be understated. For Ward, the experience was invaluable, allowing him to showcase his potential on a grand stage.
Coaches’ encouraging words
In a post-game interview with team reporter Jim Wyatt, Hardegree expressed his enthusiasm for Ward’s performance. “He was incredible,” Hardegree remarked, noting that every young player dreams of scoring touchdowns and achieving overwhelming victories. However, he emphasized that it was Ward’s composure that truly stood out.
“He maintained his poise on the sidelines and during the game, despite the challenges he faced,” Hardegree continued. “Getting the experience of a true NFL game was phenomenal. I was really proud of him.”
Building on the experience
Hardegree believes that the lessons learned from this debut will serve as a strong foundation for Ward’s future development. “For him, it’s a lot to build on. That is very positive,” he said. The coach appreciated the quarterback’s ability to engage with him throughout the game, indicating that Ward was receptive to feedback and adapted well to various game situations.
The Titans now look to the future with optimism, as Ward’s journey is just beginning. His first game may not have ended in victory, but the poise and determination he displayed could signal a promising career ahead in the NFL.
