Titans rookie QB Cameron Ward leads TD drive in debut

TAMPA, Fla. — Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward made his preseason debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night and showed promise in his first live game action.

“I think the biggest thing was just us being able to play in a real game atmosphere together,” Ward said after the game, a 29-7 loss. “Getting a vibe of each other. Then playing together like we did.”

Ward, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, completed 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards over the course of two drives. The Titans went three-and-out on his first drive, but on the second, he led the Titans 65 yards over 11 plays that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Tony Pollard.

Titans receiver Calvin Ridley caught three passes for 50 yards on the drive. Ridley’s pass interference call put the Titans in a first-and-20, but the offense bounced back via Ward passes to Ridley for 10 and 13 yards on the next two plays.

“I thought Cam played well in his two series,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said. “He did what we would hope he would do in his first action and he’s going to get more of it to come.”

Ward’s first completion was a throw to Ridley in the middle of the field for 27 yards. The offensive line gave Ward plenty of time to wait for Ridley to get open.

Ward arrived at Raymond James Stadium six hours before game time. He said that’s a habit that carried over from night games at Miami. To pass the time, Ward listened to some music and watched some of actor John Cena’s new movie, “Freelance.” Ward made sure he was on the field in time to watch the grounds crew take the tarp off the grass so he can get an early start on his pregame warm-up.

Also Saturday, Titans running back Tyjae Spears suffered a high ankle sprain after a 13-yard catch-and-run, sources told ESPN. Spears limped off the field and was placed on a cart before being taken into the locker room.