Titans worst practice of training camp comes is perfect example of both important Cam Ward context and challenge facing Brian Callahan originally appeared on A to Z Sports.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans had the worst practice of their 2025 training camp on Sunday morning. Context matters (and there is plenty to expand upon), but it was a perfect encapsulation of the unique challenge facing coach Brian Callahan with rookie quarterback Cam Ward this season.

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How patient is everyone willing to be with this whole experiment?

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Five straight padded practices for Tennessee have yielded mixed results, mostly in favor of the defense.

Such things are standard at this time of year for any football team, especially one with a rookie starting passer learning a new play-calling language, new teammates and new defensive looks every day. Saturday’s practice was as smooth as any for Ward and the first team as any they’ve had. Receiver Calvin Ridley returned looking crisp after a day of rest, and Ward was interception-free after several consecutive days of at least one pick.

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Ward did not turn the ball over on Sunday, but the defense stifled all three Titans units to the point where Callahan ended practice ripping into his offense for their lack of response.

“I think that’s an underrated and critical part about playing quarterback in the NFL because you’re always, always going to have something go wrong,” Callahan said. “It’s just the position, the pressure the position faces, especially when you’re a young quarterback that people are counting on. That ability to not get rattled and to not ever dip in your confidence is really what separates guys I think, and Cam’s (Ward) got a really unique ability to not get flustered. He never flinches, and he just comes on back and does it again. And that’s an important quality for a young player to have because it’s going to be hard. There’s no doubt about it. It’s a hard position to play. It’s the hardest position in sports. He’s a young player, we have a young team and he’s going to face plenty of adversity and his mental makeup and ability to handle that and stay confident through struggle I think is really important.”

No one wants to hear that.

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It is imperative that controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk is resistant to the noise that will come with the expected struggles any rookie quarterback would face. Especially Ward and the Titans, who are relying on so many young contributors in all three faces to get things back to a more competitive state. Things are going to look ugly for awhile.

Context is important.

Sunday’s practice featured three uniquely difficult situations for the offense to navigate: backed up in their own end zone, low red zone work and a period dubbed “bring it or bluff it” in which the defense presents various zero blitz looks for 12 straight plays. Ward struggled with all of it, as did his offensive line. Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler received a rest day, and protection suffered as a result.

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“We have our own Install,” said defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. “It its Install 5, and that’s a blitz day, whatever blitzes we have or different looks…we’re going to run it. We’ve been throwing the kitchen sink at [Ward], in terms of what we’re doing. We’re trying to get better, and [Ward]’s done an excellent job.”

Wilson went on to compliment he 2025 No. 1 overall pick’s response to the different looks Tennessee’s defense has presented him, and his work ethic.

It will be a huge week for Ward and the offense ahead of their first preseason game August 9 in Tampa Bay. The team will practice on Wednesday morning before boarding a flight and taking part in joint practices against the Buccaneers on Thursday. Bucs coach Todd Bowles is renowned for his defense’s degree of difficulty, and will attempt to put Ward and Co. in a blender.

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Another learning opportunity for the young passer before his regular season debut in Denver next month.

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Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.