As the Tennessee Titans open training camp, rookie quarterback Cam Ward finds himself thrust into a starting role earlier than expected. With Will Levis sidelined for the season due to injury, head coach Brian Callahan has limited options and a crucial decision to make.
The quarterback situation is the "biggest storyline" fans should watch for the Titans as they prepare for the new season, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. The reason: Levis' injury.
"Is Cameron Ward ready to be the starting QB? Given Will Levis' season-ending surgery, the Titans don't have much of a choice," Davenport wrote on ESPN on Tuesday. "Ward will now get all of the first-team reps as Titans head coach Brian Callahan looks to get him up to speed during camp."
Ward, the first overall pick in this year's draft, is stepping into a quarterback room that lacks competition, with only veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle backing him up.
Callahan plans to use some of the concepts that helped Ward excel in college to create an environment where he feels comfortable and can succeed.
Davenport then highlighted a strategy Brian Callahan employed as the Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator.
"The adjustments to the playbook will be based on Ward's strengths and preferences, rather than forcing him into a rigid system," Davenport wrote. "This was the exact plan Callahan was a part of with the Bengals under Zac Taylor when they drafted Joe Burrow first overall in 2020."
If the Burrow blueprint works, the Titans may have found their next long-term solution at quarterback sooner than anyone expected.