Titans Coach Saleh Refuses to Bench Cam Ward Despite Poor Start

Key points

• Robert Saleh gave a terse 'no' when asked about benching Cam Ward, signaling continued support for the starter.
• Cam Ward has thrown for 504 yards and two touchdowns in three games, with a 62.5% completion rate.
• Ward’s sack rate improved from 9.2% in 2025 to 5.38% in 2026, but his accuracy remains a major concern.
• Saleh blamed dropped passes and defensive lapses for the offense’s slow starts, rather than Ward’s decision-making.
• Mitchell Trubisky is the backup, but the Titans are not ready to make a change yet.
• The Titans’ offense ranks 30th in points per game, and Ward has not thrown for 200 yards in a game this season.

Background

Cam Ward struggled significantly during the 2025 rookie season, ranking last in QBR and facing accuracy issues. Offseason work with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll focused on improving his lower body mechanics and downfield passing. Preseason reports indicated Ward’s average depth of target was only 1.2 yards, and rookie receiver Carnell Tate had not produced a reception despite being targeted. The Titans added Wan’Dale Robinson to help with third-down and red-zone situations, but Ward’s connection with the new receiving corps has been inconsistent. The team’s defense has improved under Saleh, ranking 10th in points allowed, but the offensive struggles have overshadowed these gains.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and The Athletic highlight Saleh’s refusal to bench Ward, noting that the coach blamed dropped passes and defensive issues for the offense’s poor starts. Bleacher Report and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler emphasize that the Titans want to give Ward more time to adapt to Daboll’s system, citing his low interception rate and work ethic as reasons to keep him. However, ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes a 'sense' that things are 'out of whack' with the Titans, questioning the disconnect between Ward and the coaching staff. Giants.com focused on Jevon Holland’s game-saving interception against Ward, highlighting the defensive play that sealed the Titans’ loss in Week 3. The outlets agree that Ward’s accuracy and decision-making are issues, but they differ on whether the team should make a change now or wait for improvement.

Why it matters

The decision to keep Cam Ward as the starter despite a poor start has significant implications for the Titans’ season and Ward’s development. If Ward does not improve, the team may face a difficult choice between sticking with a struggling starter or turning to backup Mitchell Trubisky, who has not started a game since 2023. The offense’s inability to score points consistently could affect the team’s playoff chances and the development of new receivers like Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson. Additionally, the situation highlights the challenges of integrating a new offensive system and the importance of quarterback development in the NFL.

What to watch

The Titans will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, with Cam Ward expected to start. The team’s bye week is not until Week 9, so there is limited time for Ward to improve before the team faces a potential decision. If Ward continues to struggle, the Titans may consider benching him in favor of Mitchell Trubisky. The team’s offense will need to improve its scoring and consistency to keep pace with the defense’s strong performance.