Peter Skoronski had 2-word defense of Cam Ward after brutal, game-losing pick

After a troubling (but not entirely unexpected for a rebuilding team) start to the season, the Tennessee Titans

had a real chance to get their first win of the 2026 NFL season against the New York Giants. It also seemed like the victory might come on the arm of second-year quarterback Cam Ward, who has struggled to start the season but still led the Titans on a 12-play drive all the way to the Giants' seven-yard line with just under three minutes left.

Ward did so well that Tennessee had a first-and-goal with 24 seconds left and two timeouts. In many cases, you'd actually expect a touchdown in this clutch situation, or at the very least, four legit shots at the end zone. The Titans somehow got neither. While rolling to his left, Ward was clearly

feeling ambitious as he tried to throw across his body and force a pass to receiver Elic Ayomanor.

These ambitions were misplaced as he threw a bad pass that was intercepted rather easily by Giants safety Jevon Holland. The pick cemented a 12-7 loss and a nightmare 0-3 start.

JEVON HOLLAND CALLS GAME@TENvsNYG on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ECvOY9ckOt

— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2026

Look, Ward is young. He's still a developing quarterback learning the nuances of the game while the Titans simultaneously rebuild. Yes, it sucks for the Titans that he threw a pick to lose a game, but it's also encouraging that Ward even had them in that position. Both Ward and the Titans are gradually growing together, even if it means losing right now.

Fourth-year guard Peter Skoronski certainly understands this distinction. When asked to review Ward's game-losing pick, Skoronski refused to throw his quarterback under the bus. He made it clear that Ward does so much to "bail out" the Titans' offensive line, so it's silly to criticize Ward when he makes a mistake after putting the Titans in position to win.

Ultimately, Skoronski distilled thoughts on Ward's poor fortune in the best: "That's football." Indeed, it happens.

Peter Skoronski on Cam Ward and the pick: That’s football. #Titans pic.twitter.com/SYkcENzB6y

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) September 27, 2026

Ward is not the first talented young quarterback to make a bad decision with the game on the line, and he certainly won't be the last. To reach his potential, he will need unwavering support from his Titans teammates. Skoronski's comments make it apparent that the Titans are behind their hopeful franchise quarterback of the future.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Peter Skoronski had 2-word defense of Cam Ward after brutal, game-losing pick