QB Cam Ward Earns First NFL Win, Titans Defeat Cardinals in Thrilling Game. Glendale, Arizona, Tennessee Titans rising quarterback Cam Ward earned his first NFL win with a thrilling and unexpected comeback in Arizona on Sunday. After five failed attempts, Ward delivered a brilliant fourth-quarter performance to lead the Titans to a 22-21 victory, marking the second-most-improbable comeback of the season
Fourth Quarter Miracle
The Titans trailed 21-6 in the final quarter, and their chances of victory were down to just 1.8%, according to Next Gen Stats. But Cam Ward refused to give up. He completed 13 of 18 passes in the fourth quarter for 193 passing yards, surpassing his 155 yards in the fourth quarter combined in his previous four games. This performance snapped the Titans’ 10-game losing streak, which dated back to last season.
In the second half, I read the field better and gave my guys a chance to make plays,” Ward said after the game. “It might have been a shaky start, but it’s all about how you finish.” His career-best 265 passing yards made the win even more special
Pivotal Moment
Ward completed only 5 of 16 passes in the first half, but he found his rhythm in the second. On the first drive of the fourth quarter, Ward completed a 47-yard seam route to Calvin Ridley, giving the Titans momentum. A precise pass to Gunnar Helm then led to a 19-yard gain, moving the ball to the Cardinals’ 1-yard line. Soon after, Tony Pollard scored a touchdown to make the score 21-12.
Titans coach Brian Callahan praised Ward, saying, “When we needed it most, Cam made big shots. His play selection and execution were spot-on. That’s the mark of a true quarterback.”
A Combination of Luck and Strategy
The victory relied not only on skill but also on a bit of luck. A pass intended for Ridley was tipped by Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., which was intercepted by safety Dadrian Taylor-Demerson. But Taylor-Demerson fumbled the ball, and Titans receiver Tyler Lockett recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown, narrowing the deficit to two points.
The Titans’ defense also performed brilliantly, forcing the Cardinals to punt on the next drive. Ward then led his team from the 18-yard line with just 1:53 remaining. He completed 3 of 4 passes, including a spectacular 38-yard pass to Ridley, which set up Joey Slye’s 29-yard game-winning field goal.
Ward’s Leadership
Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons praised Ward, saying, “Cam did a fantastic job controlling that offense and leading us to victory. His composure in the pocket was remarkable. That composure is rarely seen in rookie quarterbacks. That’s why we picked him No. 1.”
Historic Victory
This victory not only marked a turning point for the Titans but also marked a significant milestone in Cam Ward’s career. His leadership, composure under pressure, and ability to change games in the final moments established him as a rising star. This victory not only instilled new hope in Titans fans but also proved that young players like Cam Ward can make a significant impact in the NFL.
