TAMPA, Fla. – Cam Ward was satisfied.
Now, the Titans quarterback will keep working – and get ready for his first NFL game, albeit the preseason.
"I thought things went good," Ward said after Thursday's joint practice against the Buccaneers. "We battled adversity throughout the day, but that's going to come with the game of football. We responded well on both sides of the ball. The defense had a good day, we had a good day on offense.
"So, I'm glad we got some good work against a good team."
Ward was 5-of-6 in the early 7-on-7 period, with really nice completions to rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, who got open deep. He went 15-of-24 in the team periods, making him 20-of-30 on the day with an interception.
He found tight end Gunnar Helm open for a strike in the middle of the field, and after an interception, he went 6-of-11 in an end-of-half, 2-minute period, which featured a great catch by receiver Calvin Ridley.
Ward connected with receiver Bryce Oliver and for Dike for touchdowns in a low red zone period.
"The receivers did a hell of a job today, from starters to back-ups," Ward said. "Those boys came out here and competed. They had good 1-on-1s, carried it to 7-on-7 and team, so I am proud of the receivers and how they helped us."
But Ward had a few learning moments as well. In addition to the interception, he got away with a few that could have been picked.
"I just think the more reps that we get, which we are getting now, the better it's going to be come game time," Ward, "and going into the season.
"This is one of the best defenses in the league, so they gave us some good work. They stopped us a couple of times, we had some explosives on them. I think both groups today got better."
The Titans kick off the preseason here on Saturday night against the Buccaneers.
Coach Brian Callahan said Ward and the first team offense will play.
"Yeah, we're going to play— our starters are going to play. We're going to play in all three preseason games," Callahan said. "We're going to let Cam play.
"I would imagine for sure a series and maybe two in the first game with the starters, so he'll play."
Ward said he's looking forward to it.
"I'm listening to coach Callahan, and he knows I'll be ready to play the whole time if I need to," Ward said. "I'll be ready to make plays when my number is called.
"I'm real excited, just to be on the grass again. Just to put everything I've worked for out there, and just try and lead my teammates and try and get a win out there."
