NASHVILLE – One play at a time, one game at a time, Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward feels like he's making progress.
Even if it doesn't show up on the scoreboard, or in the win-loss column.
"Yeah, I think I improved every game from an operation standpoint, from a play call standpoint, to getting in and out of huddle, to knowing where guys are, to being an NFL quarterback," Ward said. "I think every game has got better. Then for each other position, every game we've had together, we've got better chemistry, because practice is a lot different than a game. So I'll continue to work those guys, they'll continue to work with me and we're going to continue to be better."
Ward, who completed 22-of-38 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's game at Indianapolis, is the first rookie quarterback in franchise history to start the first eight games of a season.
On Sunday, Ward became the first Titans quarterback since Marcus Mariota in 2015 to have 20 or more completions in four consecutive team games on a day when he eclipsed the 250-yard passing mark for the third time in four games.
This Sunday, the Titans return to action against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium.
Ward wants to keep the positive momentum going, and he's encouraged because of his growing rapport and success with other members of the rookie class, from tight end Gunnar Helm to receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor.
The Titans, of course, need to score more points, and see more drives conclude with touchdowns. Ward has just five passing touchdowns this season, which is tied for the fewest by any QB with 150-plus attempts.
"Those guys they work, they bust off each and every week they're in the building," Ward said of the rookies. "And so, what they're doing on the field, I've seen it in college for them but I knew it was just going to continue to prosper in the league just because the reps that we get just on our own time, but here. And I just think the biggest one out of those three is that they're unselfish. Those are the type of guys that you need. And I'm glad that we're able to have that chemistry already in our first year, that's going to keep on doing good for us."
Ward said he won't get discouraged, despite the team's 1-7 record.
And, he's buoyed by the support from others, whether they're on his team, or the opposition.
"I see a lot of guys, quarterbacks, coaches, they've all said the same thing to myself and my other teammates: Just continue to play as clean football as we can," Ward said. "Eventually, it's going to end and when it does, you got to be ready and you just got to continue to try to get better every day. It ain't going to happen overnight, but if you continue to work, it'll happen."
