Cam Ward is beginning his second season as the starting quarterback of the Tennessee Titans. But the former top overall NFL Draft pick might be starting to feel a little bit of pressure for his performances.
At the very least, he’s getting very blunt assessments from the local media, who aren’t sugarcoating where he is at this point in his development.
At a press conference on Thursday, Ward was asked by radio host and podcaster Jared Stillman about his preseason performances thus far.
Cam Ward then turned that question back on Stillman himself for him to answer. And instead of speaking in vague generalities and platitudes, Stillman chose the tough love approach. His response? “Not well.”
Ward then brushed off the criticism and gave a more detailed response about his processes, saying he believes he made a “huge jump” from Week 1 of the preseason to Week 2.
I asked Cam Ward how he would assess his preseason, his answer was to ask me how I would assess it..to which I said “not well.”
He then gave his assessment in which he said they made a huge jump from Week 1 to Week 2. Says it will “be a different story” Week 1 vs the Jets. pic.twitter.com/fqPwgnNrfr
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) August 27, 2026
To be honest, neither of Ward’s statlines really stood out in the Titans’ two victories, as he threw for 57 yards on 5/12 passing and 69 yards on 8/12 passing, respectively. But this is preseason; the games don’t count for a reason. And this is the time to work out those kinks, especially considering that Cam Ward is working with a brand-new coaching staff with Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll in just his second year.
However, Stillman is certainly not convinced. He has continued to be critical of Ward on his social media page, posting multiple clips about his concerns regarding his performance and future as the cornerstone of the Titans franchise.
I am kind of shocked how sensitive Cam Ward seemed to get when I told him his play wasn’t good this preseason (hint: it’s not)
But if I am the only person who gives him a reality check and it motivates him to play better and then he does…great. pic.twitter.com/LeFKlHkUS0
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) August 28, 2026
Cam Ward showed some positive flashes in his first season in the NFL, even if the Titans finished with a 3-14 record in 2025. But let’s be truthful, nobody is judged on what they do in preseason, training camp, or anything else until Week 1 begins. And Ward has been praised for how he’s handled the attention and the pressure of being a top pick. But if he is still struggling and having to discuss his play with the media in September and October, then it will be time for Titans fans to be concerned.
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