Titans head coach Robert Saleh pulled no punches about second-year quarterback Cam Ward, flat out saying the young signal-caller might be dealing with “some PTSD” from the brutal 55 sacks he took as a rookie. This isn’t just coach-speak, folks; this is a stark admission about a No. 1 overall pick who’s clearly struggling to shake off a nightmarish start to his NFL career.
Ward’s Rough Ride: Sacks, Struggles, and a Costly Pick
It’s no secret the Titans offense is a mess right now. They’re ranked 31st in total offense and 30th in scoring, which is just brutal this early in the season. Cam Ward, their supposed franchise savior, is sitting at a 21st-place 80.9 passer rating, with only two touchdowns against one interception. That’s not the kind of production you want from a top pick after 20 career starts. We saw the pressure get to him big time in their 12-7 loss to the Giants. They were knocking on the door at the Giants’ 7-yard line with just 24 seconds left, and Ward, instead of tucking it and running for what could’ve been a game-winning touchdown, dropped back and threw a costly interception to Jevon Holland. You gotta wonder what’s going through his head in those high-stakes moments.
Saleh Breaks Down the Lingering Effects of Rookie Beatings
Saleh didn’t mince words when asked about Ward’s continued struggles. “You’ve got to remember the young man was sacked however many times last year, so I’m sure there’s some PTSD there,” Saleh told NFL.com. Remember, the guy was absolutely demolished for 55 sacks in his rookie season! That’s not just physical pain, that’s mental. While he’s only been sacked five times this season, the ghost of those hits clearly still lingers. Saleh did try to offer some hope, saying, “But he’s getting better. He’s trusting it. His footwork is lasting him longer into games if that makes sense. But from an accuracy standpoint, decision-making standpoint, everything starts with your feet at the quarterback position.” However, he also admitted, “You see him comfortable in the pocket. You see him trusting the offensive line, and later in the game you kind of see him kind of revert back to some old habits.” That “reverting back to old habits” part? That’s the real problem, isn’t it? It suggests the trust isn’t fully there, and those instincts from getting drilled again and again are still creeping in.
This isn’t just about one game for Ward and the Titans, it’s about whether their No. 1 overall pick can shake off the ghost of hits past and live up to his potential. Saleh thinks he’s getting better, but the “old habits” are clearly still there, and the Titans desperately need their franchise QB to overcome them fast if they want to turn this season around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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