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Ward finished the afternoon 19-of-32 passing for 140 yards and was sacked three times, a stat line that highlighted the growing pains currently facing the young quarterback. Saleh, however, remains steadfast in his support, noting that the blame for the offensive stagnation does not rest solely on the quarterback’s shoulders. The head coach pointed to collective errors across the unit and stressed that the organization is fully invested in Ward’s long-term growth rather than reacting to a single poor outing.
A Focus on Development and Stability
The path forward for Ward involves refining his pocket presence and decision-making, areas that quarterback coach Shea Tierney noted are being addressed through daily drills. During the loss, several missed opportunities—including errant throws to Wan'Dale Robinson and Tyjae Spears, as well as failing to spot a wide-open Carnell Tate—underscored the work still required. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll echoed the sentiment that the team’s struggles were a shared failure, insisting that the entire offense must improve to support their quarterback.
Saleh, who previously navigated the development of Zach Wilson during his tenure with the Jets, is acutely aware of the pressures surrounding high-draft-pick quarterbacks. He emphasized that the Titans are committed to providing the stability that has been absent in Ward’s career, noting that the quarterback has worked with seven different coordinators over the last seven years. By surrounding him with experienced figures like Daboll and veteran backup Mitchell Trubisky, the team hopes to provide a more consistent environment for his progression.
Looking Ahead to the Eagles
The pressure on the Titans to see immediate results is palpable, especially given the early success of other second-year quarterbacks across the league. However, the organization appears determined to avoid the cycle of instability that has defined the franchise since 2022. Trubisky, who has navigated the challenges of being a high-drafted starter, has encouraged Ward to focus on the process and maintain confidence in his own abilities despite the inevitable setbacks of the NFL.
For his part, Ward remains self-critical and focused on the adjustments needed for the upcoming week. The quarterback acknowledged the need for improvement and expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to guide him through this transition. The Titans will look to bounce back this Sunday when they host the Philadelphia Eagles at Nissan Stadium, providing Ward with an immediate opportunity to demonstrate the progress the team believes he is capable of achieving.
