What We Learned From The Titans Second Preseason Game

Two weeks are in the books for the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL preseason, and the Titans managed to secure a close win against the Atlanta Falcons. While the win is nice, and likely a good morale boost for the players, it isn't what is important at this point in the season. We learned a lot from this game and I am thrilled of it all.

Via Tennessee Titans

Oh Boy, We Have a Quarterback

While Cam Ward's statline was unimpressive in this game, if you watched the game you would know just how impressive the young player was. On his first pass, Ward hit Ayomanor for a 35 yard gain in stride to get the team downfield. Later in the drive, Ward fired a rocket to Van Jefferson, who had a terrible drop on what would have likely turned into 6 points. The third and final noteworthy throw was a pass to Ayomanor which was perfectly placed, but after what seemed like a missed pass interference, the ball fell incomplete. Ward is so poised in the pocket and seems comfortable taking shots down the field, which is such a breath of fresh air for Titans fans.

Get Van Jefferson off my football team

This marked two straight weeks that Van Jefferson has dropped a pass that would've extended the drive for the Titans. Last week was a curl route where it hit his chest and fell to the ground, and this week the ball hit his hands in stride and he was not able to make the catch. While neither throw was as perfect as possible, both should have been caught. Last weeks was a tad late which led to a bit more contact, and this weeks was maybe 6 inches in front of where it would have been perfect, but both were great throws that any NFL receiver should be catching. Jefferson's career has been highlighted with dropped passes and his time in Tennessee is looking to be no different. Get him away.

We finally have an offensive line

Across the five drives played by Cam Ward, a defender hasn't been close enough to breathe on Cam Ward, and we love to see that. This comes without Kevin Zeitler and Lloyd Cushenberry too, who will be great additions when they are actually playing. Last night, the Titans didn't allow a single sack all night long, which is a great look for the protection of our young QB.

Cedric Gray had a GAME

What may be the most fun battle leading up to the regular season is for the starting middle linebacker spot beside Cody Barton. Last week, James Williams made his case, but this week, Gray made that performance seem small. Gray was flying all over the field, recording half a sack, 7 total tackles, a TFL or two, and even getting an interception that was unfortunately wiped off the board due to a holding penalty. Both players have made a case for themselves, so next weeks game may be extremely important to this battle.

Gunnar Helm is TE1

Gunnar Helm recording the most exciting highlight for the team last night, reeling in a deep pass in double coverage with significant contact and even having his eyes covered to secure a touchdown. Helm has showcased that he may be a better choice to start than Chig Okonkwo, and very well may be the future for that position. That was a catch Chig simply would not have brought in.

Calvin Ridley may put up 2000 yards

Okay, 2000 yards may be a stretch, but last night showcased nobody has that connection with Ward that Ridley has. We saw poor receiver play across the board last night, and if the first two weeks of preseason has been any indication, Ridley may be looking at 10+ targets a game and have a true breakout year.

Special teams are struggling

Yesterday was not great for the Titans special teams, missing so many tackles and fumbling a return. We have seen in the past how poor special teams play adds up, so John Fassel needs to work on getting these players under control so they can minimize error in the regular season.