NASHVILLE – At least for a game, the Titans appeared to figure out their problem with slow starts this past Sunday.
The team's 14-point output in the first quarter against the Browns was a welcome sight, yet it only added to the disappointment when the Titans came up short in the end once again.
On Wednesday, Ward said starting faster has been a priority – but sustaining it is even more paramount as they prepare for this Sunday's game vs the Bengals.
"I think we have gotten better at starting faster – that is still something that we have to improve on," Ward said. "I think another area we've gotten better is our efficiency rate. But at the end of the day that all comes with throwing and catching the ball, having successful runs to start the game off. It is everybody.
"The biggest thing we are trying to get better at is just finishing out games. The fourth quarter is where we have to be our best, and we just have to continue to strive for that."
Through seven games this season, the Titans have outscored their opponents 34-27 in the first quarter, and 55-24 in the fourth quarter. Aside from the win over the Colts, however, the Titans haven't made winning plays late, at crunch time.
Ward and the offense have dealt with issues on offense in significant portions of games.
Ward, in fact, hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in quarters 1-3, with all of them coming in the fourth quarter of the team's seven games.
And, how about this staggering stat?: The Titans have been outscored 72-3 in the second quarter this season, which has contributed to them playing from behind so many Sundays. The Titans have been outscored 23-16 in the third quarter of games.
Ward said the offense reeds to get into a rhythm faster, without cooling off.
On the season, Ward has thrown for 1,179 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions, with a passer rating of 73.8. He's been sacked just 11 times in seven games, a big area of improvement.
"We have to continue to get into a rhythm, continue to stay in a rhythm and not have little lull here and there," Ward said. "We have to continue to work on that."
