The real test for rookie quarterback Cam Ward will come in Week One in Denver. But Ward passed another quiz in the preseason finale on Friday night. In two series of action, Ward completed 3-of-4 passes for 35 yards, with a 102.1 rating. He guided a 13-play, 90-yard touchdown drive that took 8:33 off the clock, completing passes to Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike and Tyler Lockett on the drive. Other than being sacked, it was a pretty good last night out for Ward in the preseason.
Running back Tony Pollard didn’t play, and neither did Tyjae Spears. Another back, Kalel Mullings, left the contest with a foot injury. It was a night for running back Julius Chestnut to shine, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. Not only did Chestnut score the game’s first touchdown, he also electrified the crowd with a beautiful hurdle of Vikings safety Jay Ward on a 16-yard run. Chestnut carried the ball five times for 28 yards in the game.
Rob Bironas still holds the record for the longest field goal in Nissan Stadium history, his 60-yard game-winner against the Colts in 2006 is etched in Titans lore. That’s because, according to the record books, preseason field goals don’t officially count. With an asterisk, Titans kicker Joey Slye can stake claim to the longest kick, after making a 63-yarder last night. Slye sailed his kick through the uprights, and he had plenty of room to spare. Slye later added a 30-yard field goal, and a 53-yard field goal, to finish the night 3-of-3.