ESPN analyst wants to see Titans’ Cam Ward improve in two areas in 2026

Cam Ward went through ups and downs as a rookie for the Tennessee Titans. He will look to step up as a sophomore ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Ward is gearing up for Year 2 of his career in the league. The Titans selected him first overall in the draft, seeing him as an important piece to them returning to playoff contention.

ESPN writer Ben Solak provided his thoughts on quarterbacks who will need to significantly improve throughout the 2026 season. He named Ward as one of those players, understanding his struggles last year while expecting him to be better with running and arm arrogance in Year 2.

“But even on the scale of No. 1 picks selected to bad teams, Ward was dropped into a brutal environment. After Calvin Ridley went down in Week 6, the Titans’ leading snap-getters at receiver were a pair of Day 3 rookies — Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike — and veteran journeyman Van Jefferson. The Titans’ designed running game, featuring Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, didn’t move the needle. It was 29th in EPA per play and 31st in explosive run rate. And Brian Callahan, the offensive-minded head coach charged with setting Ward up for success, was fired midseason,” Solak wrote.

“Ward deserves to play with some arm arrogance, challenging defenders to anticipate his throws so early that they’re practically guessing. That term — arm arrogance — was thrown around Allen quite a bit during the Daboll era. In a similar offense that spreads the defense out and simplifies the reads for a young quarterback, Ward could get the ball out much faster this season. And when the defense is right and he has to eat the throw, he can use his legs to keep the offense on schedule.”

What lies ahead for Cam Ward, Titans

Cam Ward certainly has a lot on his plate to handle with the Titans. He does have the talent and skillset to succeed, needing his teammates to come through for him.

Ward had an inconsistent rookie campaign that have him wanting to be better than he was in 2025. He completed 323 passes for 3,169 yards and 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was under 60% in completion percentage and had a QB rating of 80.2, leaving a lot of room for improvement.

They will seek to improve upon their record of 3–14 from the past two seasons and end their four-year drought of both a playoff appearance and an AFC South title.

The Titans look forward to beginning the campaign at home against the New York Jets. That matchup commences on Sept. 13 with kickoff taking place at 1 p.m. ET.

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