Training camp always brings excitement, but the Tennessee Titans' first week offered more than just highlights. After three practices under first-year head coach Robert Saleh, several themes have already begun to emerge that could shape the Titans' 2026 season.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from the first week of training camp.
1. Cam Ward and Carnell Tate are building something special
If there has been one consistent storyline, it's the consistent connection between Cam Ward and rookie receiver Carnell Tate. The two have repeatedly connected on explosive plays, including a red-zone touchdown that quickly made the rounds on social media on day one.
Tate's strong beginning to training camp follows an impressive offseason and reinforces why the Titans selected him fourth overall. If this chemistry
continues, Tennessee may have found its quarterback-wide receiver duo for years to come.
2. Robert Saleh's defense is already making its presence felt
The defense won the majority of its battles against the offense during the opening week of camp. Pressure from the defensive line has forced hurried throws, while the secondary has generated pass breakups and interceptions.
Even without full pads, Saleh's aggressive philosophy has been evident throughout their practices. That intensity is exactly what the Titans hoped to establish after finishing near the bottom of the league defensively last season.
3. Competition exists across the roster
Saleh has consistently emphasized competition, and the first week showed that every practice rep matters for each position. As the intensity increases with padded practices, those position battles should become even more interesting, especially at center and right guard.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: 3 takeaways from Week 1 of Titans training camp
