It wasn’t as sharp as his preseason debut against the Buccaneers, but rookie quarterback Cam Ward still gave fans a glimpse of who might separate in the team’s wide receiver battle.
Ward finished just two for seven for 42 yards against the Falcons, a stat line that doesn’t stand out, yet the game revealed a clearer picture of the competition for the WR3 role.
Elic Ayomanor caught two of his four targets, though one incompletion looked more like a timing issue than a misfire by Ward or the rookie receiver.
His first reception was a strong grab over the middle that turned into a beautiful 35-yard gain, the kind of playmaking that has coaches excited about his upside.
Meanwhile, Van Jefferson, who currently holds the WR3 spot on the depth chart, struggled once again with consistency.
He dropped a perfectly placed throw from Ward, a recurring problem that has haunted him since his Los Angeles Rams days. Too often, Jefferson’s mistakes don’t just stall drives; they can swing momentum with turnovers or wasted opportunities.
After the game, head coach Brian Callahan had this to say about Van’s game:
“Van Jefferson has had a good camp. The one drop he had tonight isn't an indication of the type of player we think he'll be this season.”
Jefferson has talent, but Ayomanor brings something different, a natural ability to create explosive plays, which is a trait that can’t be taught.
Against the Falcons, the difference between them was clear. After Jefferson’s drop, Cam looked away, and Ayomanor stepped forward and looked like the player more ready to seize the job.
If Friday night was any indication, the Titans may have found their WR3 in Ayomanor, and Ward seems to know exactly where to look when the chains need moving.