NASHVILLE – The Titans are officially one week into training camp.
Five open practices have been completed, in addition to some jog-throughs.
The team will be back on the field on Friday morning after a day off on Thursday.
Here’s a look at six things that have stood out through the first week if camp:
Cam Ward is a rookie. Anyone who thought he’d be perfect, with no mistakes, from the get-go had an unrealistic expectation. During the first week of camp, the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft has looked like a first-year player at times, while also providing some Wow moments. Ward had his best practice of camp in the Nissan Stadium practice on Saturday when he made a lot of great throws, and it got the fans excited. In the two practices since, he’s thrown four interceptions while admitting the offense has been “very mid” so far. The good news is it’s not even August (it will be tomorrow) and Ward and the offense have plenty of time to develop more consistency. Right now, it’s too early to celebrate, or panic.
Ward Has Chemistry With Calvin Ridley
This much we know about the Titans receiving corps: Calvin Ridley is the No. 1. After that, a lot of things still need to be sorted out. At the start of camp, it’s also looking like Ward and Ridley are developing some nice chemistry on and off the field. Not long after the Titans picked Ward in the draft, Ridley invited the rookie into his Nashville home, and the two began hanging out, and becoming friends. On the practice field, these two have connected for some of the biggest highlights of camp so far. There’s room for improvement, of course. On Wednesday, Ward overthrew Ridley on a deep ball that could have produced another big play. But, the early chemistry between the two is encouraging.
The Defense is Making Plays
Sure, Ward has served up a few gimmies so far in camp. He’s been taking chances, like the coaches want him to, in stressful situations. But the defense has made plays, too. In five practices, eight defenders already have interceptions – Cody Barton (Ward), Kevin Winston Jr. (Brandon Allen), James Williams Sr. (Ward), Gabe Jeudy-Lally (Ward), Xavier Woods (Ward), Darrell Baker Jr. (Ward) Curtis Jacobs (Allen), and Roger McCreary (Ward). Barton, who had two picks in the open offseason practices, has gotten his hands on at least two other footballs as well, including a deflection that went to McCreary. In practices, defenders have been tipping and batting down balls at the line of scrimmage, while also getting the ball out. DC Dennard Wilson has to be pleased with this aspect of the game so far.
Jeffery Simmons Has Been Impactful
Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons showed up in camp in great shape, 20 pounds lighter. And, he’s made his presence known from the start in practices. Simmons has been very disruptive up front, forcing his way into the backfield on running and passing plays. And, believe me, he’s been letting the offensive players know about it. Simmons has said he’s plenty motivated heading into the 2025 season, and he’s playing like it. His presence has also raised the level of play from those around him.
Tyjae Spears, and Running Lanes
It’s still too early to make a definitive judgement on the offensive line as a whole. With improved personnel, the group should be better this fall. In some of the run periods, I’ve noticed the group opening up some pretty nice running lanes. One player I’ve noticed sprinting through the holes with some juice is running back Tyjae Spears, who has carried his momentum from the offseason into July. I’m expecting Tony Pollard to keep on keeping on this fall, but Spears sure looks like he’s poised to be a more dynamic performer himself.
Joey Slye Has Been Accurate
Nick Folk was pretty close to automatic during his days with the Titans, so at least some were surprised when he wasn’t re-signed. The Titans instead signed Joey Slye, and turned the job over to him in the offseason. Slye has been accurate while showing off a very strong leg. In the first week of camp, Slye made 20-of-21 field goals, including one from 66 yards in the Saturday practice at Nissan Stadium. Slye has also made kicks from 51, 52 and 53 yards with ease, his only miss coming on Wednesday, from 59 yards (it had the distance, but went off the right upright). It looks like Slye could give the Titans more scoring chances from long distance this fall.
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