After winning just three games last season, Tennessee Titans fans weren’t too pleased to hear Cam Ward calling the team “mid”. The 2025 No. 1 overall pick had a blunt assessment of how the team’s performed so far in training camp.
Ward’s comments were met with criticism, but these NFL insiders praised the 23-year-old. Discussing their time interviewing him and how he handled himself at Miami, it’s clear Ward is a leader and this is his way of issuing a wake-up call.
Mike Florio and Chris Simms Love Cam Ward’s Comments on the Offense’s Sluggish Training Camp Performance
No one expected Ward to turn around and immediately get the Titans to the playoffs. That’s not to say he can’t do it, but this is a Titans team that has their work cut out for them. Ward has a few offensive weapons, but he would love to land another if the team can trade for Terry McLaurin.
Regardless, he’ll have veterans lined up at wideout. Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett may no longer be what they once were, but together they bring 16 years of experience to the table. Ridley got his first taste of being on the Titans last season where he finished with 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns.
Mike Florio mentioned Ward throwing four interceptions at camp. Training camp statistics aren’t the end-all-be-all, but they are something to consider. Chris Simms backed up the No. 1 overall pick as the Titans carry the No. 2 defense in all of football.
Pro Football Talk’s Comments on Ward
“You and I believe that Cam Ward can be the guy. Ward can be great,” Florio said. “He addressed the state of the offensive yesterday, and he made a little bit of buzz with what he said.”
Florio continued, “I saw the quote ‘very mid’ and knew people were going to be like ‘you don’t say that about your team’. When you listen to the full thing, it’s a work in progress. That’s the kid’s way of saying it’s a work in progress.”
Just a few days ago, Simms highlighted Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor as two key pieces for Ward to succeed. The Titans tried to get him all of the help he can get, but Simms already acknowledges that Ward is a leader.
“I like that he said it. To me, that’s what a leader does,” Simms said. “That’s a very mature thing to say right there. He’s not throwing anybody under the bus. He plainly states right off the bat, it starts with me. These are the things that make Cam Ward special.
“He’s a no-nonsense guy. He’s there to play football, he’s there to be great, and he’s there to lead a team. He’ll smile and joke another time, but right now he’s all business and that’s what I really appreciate about this guy,” Simms added.
Florio believed that even if Will Levis hadn’t undergone season-ending surgery, Ward was always going to be the guy. It’s clear that the Titans have high hopes for the Miami graduate as they search for their first winning season since 2021.
NFL Insider Responds to Titans Rookie QB Calling Offense ‘Mid’