Cam Ward Struggles In Padded Training Camp: So What?!?

This week, the Tennessee Titans officially started using pads in training camp, and their rookie quarterback Cam Ward has shown signs of struggling.

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Turron Davenport has reported Ward seems late and short on some passes, as well as reporting at least three interceptions thrown over the last two days. There have also apparently been a lot of incomplete passes. Davenport reported that Ward needs to "speed up the proccess", as he just seems a tick behind on reads and throws.

Is this important though? It may not be the most reassuring thing to see the first overall pick making so many mistakes in training camp, but we need to keep in mind that he is a rookie. Ward is still learning the system, building chemistry with players, and improving every day. Another thing worth noting is that fans and reporters don't know the entire story. The coaches could be emphasizing things to work on and attempt, keeping Ward from being what he would authentically look like in game.

This is practice after all. Every player, including superstars and seasoned veterans make mistakes in practice, as that is what it is for. Training camp is for the players to learn and improve. If a player is not making errors, it only means they aren't pushing themselves to be better, so it is better to make mistakes and get out of their comfort zone. After all, we would rather see these mistakes now as opposed to when the season starts.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't have a level of concern from these mistakes. Ward seems to have a low angle of release which is causing lots of tipped passes, which is something that needs to be worked on. As previously mentioned, his speed for reads and throws needs to be worked on too, but that will likely come with practice and adjusting to the talent in the NFL.

Ward has stated that the offense has been "very mid" as of recent, so hopefully the quarterback does his best to help them reach a new level in training camp, because as he said, it all starts from him.

There is a lot to be optimistic about, as many great throws have been reported, we as fans just have to be patient and not jump to any conclusions.

Thanks @TDavenport_NFL on X for making these training camp notes where most of this information was obtained.