Cam Ward proves his leadership by falling on his sword for a teammate’s controversial moment in Titans’ win over Falcons
The rookie had picked up his receiver after a viral moment
The Tennessee Titans went into Atlanta for their second preseason game and defeated the Falcons 23-20.
However, what’s come out of that as far as discussion was the performance by Cam Ward, and in particular one moment during the game where Ward showed off the mental side of his game and his arm together. On the Titans’ first drive of the game at their own 42-yard line on 2nd and 13, Ward looked downfield and fired a dart in a window past three defenders to Van Jefferson. The veteran wideout reached out for the ball and it went off his hands. That drew some strong criticism among media and fans online.
However, after the game, Ward took responsibility after saying he spoke with Jefferson, who indicated the ball was a bit out front. Ward defended his teammate and said he needs to put it on his chest next time.
“I really came up to him, see how the ball was,” Ward said. “He thought it was a little bit out in front, so I’ve got to put it on his chest next time.”
I watched this play from multiple angles several times, and I talked with some of my A to Z Sports colleagues. It was a high-velocity throw that had his arms full extension, but I still think this would have been a catch that the average NFL wide receiver should make at least half the time. It wasn’t a breadbasket drop and as such not one of the most egregious drops you’ll see on any given game day across the league by any means. But it’s one that you feel that, more often than not, it’s one that should be made.
The outrage also likely stems from the fact that Ward made a terrific read and put the ball in a great place to where only his player could catch it. There’s a certain level of frustration when a decision and a pass like that doesn’t pay off and get rewarded, and the majority of fans online appear to have directed their fault of that failed connection to Jefferson.
But, regardless, the thing to take away from the situation isn’t the non-catch/drop/whatever-you-want-to-call-it itself. It’s the leadership that Ward took by putting it on himself to throw a better ball next time and stating it publicly.
That’s what you want to see from your team leader and quarterback, something that Titans fans – and Jefferson – should be thankful for heading into the season.
