On Sunday, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan highlighted a key similarity between Cam Ward and star quarterback Joe Burrow, who worked with him during his rookie season.
When Callahan served as the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator, he worked with Burrow, the team's No. 1 pick in 2020. Now, he has a new opportunity to develop another top draft pick in Ward.
Speaking to the media before Sunday's training camp, Callahan reflected on his experience working with Burrow and explained how his approach has evolved while coaching another rookie.
Callahan explained that due to COVID, all meetings with Burrow during his rookie year were virtual and recorded, allowing him to review Burrow's early struggles and growth in detail. He recalled, "He became the player that he is now, which is arguably one of the top three quarterbacks in football, but he wasn't that as a rookie."
This perspective has informed Callahan's approach with Ward. He then pointed out a similarity between the two rookies. Callahan said, "My favorite part about it is that I see some similarities in their ability to process information."
“I think this is what the Titans need. My comp is Joe Burrow.”
— SleeperTitans (@SleeperTitanUp) August 1, 2025
- Micah Parsons on Cam Ward 👀
With Parsons requesting a trade, the Titans should seriously consider going all in on a guy like him.
pic.twitter.com/Op5qTJOeGo
He added that comparing their comfort levels and challenges has been valuable in guiding Ward's development.
Burrow's rookie year involved adapting to NFL speed and mental demands. Now he is one of the league's top quarterbacks. Burrow's 2024 season was a career-best year, where he led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes, completing 70.6% of his throws.