Cam Ward struggled during Tennessee’s season-opening loss, but Titans coach Robert Saleh is not placing the responsibility for the team’s passing-game failures solely on his quarterback.
According to ESPN’s Turron Davenport, Saleh continued to emphasize Wednesday that Tennessee’s problems extend beyond Ward. The Titans believe the entire operation needs more practice time and greater familiarity to improve.
Saleh described “time on task” as the remedy.
Ward completed 19 of 32 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown in Tennessee’s 23-10 loss to the Jets. The Titans generated only 195 total yards, while Ward faced constant pressure and struggled to create explosive plays through the air. His only touchdown came late in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard
pass to Elic Ayomanor. The Eagles will present another difficult test. Philadelphia limited explosive passing plays against Washington and generated pressure without relying heavily on the blitz. That lets Vic Fangio keep additional defenders in coverage and forces quarterbacks to work through their progressions patiently.
#Titans Robert Saleh continues to say it's more than just Cam Ward when it comes to the failures in the passing game. Time on task is the suggested remedy. pic.twitter.com/uVYlQPVGmJ
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 16, 2026
Tennessee must provide Ward with better protection and create easier completions through play-action, quick throws, and a productive rushing attack. The receivers must also separate and remain connected to Ward when he extends plays. Saleh’s message is understandable for a young quarterback operating within a new system. Quarterbacks generally receive most of the praise and criticism, but a functioning passing game requires protection, timing, route discipline, and trust.
Tennessee did not display enough of those qualities in Week 1. Unless the Titans make immediate progress, the Eagles’ defensive front and revamped secondary could make Ward’s second start just as uncomfortable as his first.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Robert Saleh says Titans’ passing issues extend beyond Cam Ward
