Titans Shock Cardinals; QB Cam Ward Secures First NFL Victory

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Titans Shock Cardinals; QB Cam Ward Secures First NFL Victory

In an exciting showdown, the Tennessee Titans defeated the Arizona Cardinals 22-21, marking rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s first NFL victory. This win came after a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback where the Titans overcame a 21-6 deficit, achieving a win probability that dipped to just 1.8%.

Improbable Comeback

Cam Ward’s late-game performance was pivotal. He amassed 193 passing yards in the fourth quarter alone, a significant improvement from his previous games. This comeback is noted as one of the most unlikely this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Strong Second Half Performance

Ward completed 13 of 18 passes in the final quarter. He finished the game with a career-high of 265 passing yards. His success in the second half followed a challenging first half, where he managed to complete only 5 of 16 passes.

Fourth-quarter passing yards: 193
Total passing yards: 265
Completion rate in the fourth quarter: 72% (13 out of 18)

Key Plays

In a crucial drive, Ward’s connection with Calvin Ridley resulted in a 47-yard gain. He demonstrated accuracy with a 19-yard pass to Gunnar Helm, bringing the Titans to the 1-yard line. Tony Pollard then scored, narrowing the gap to 21-12.

Further fortunes favored the Titans when a tipped pass intended for Ridley was intercepted but subsequently fumbled by Arizona’s safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. Titans receiver Tyler Lockett recovered in the end zone, bringing the score closer.

Decisive Final Moments

Following a defensive stand that forced an Arizona punt, the Titans regained possession at their own 18-yard line with just 1:53 left on the clock. Ward executed the drive effectively, completing 3 of 4 passes, including a significant 38-yard connection with Ridley.

This set up Joey Slye for a 29-yard field goal, sealing the win for the Titans and ending a ten-game losing streak stretching back to the previous season. Titans coach Brian Callahan praised Ward for his execution and poise in critical moments.

Looking Ahead

This victory not only boosts the Titans’ morale but also highlights Cam Ward’s potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL. His calmness under pressure and ability to lead the team in crunch time will be crucial as the season progresses.