Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward interacts with defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons during practice. Photo by George Walker IV/AP.
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan noticed something different during the first day of minicamp: the energy had jumped. A big reason for that was the return of star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, who had missed OTAs for personal reasons. His presence changed the tone right away. Simmons made his impact felt early, crashing into the backfield and getting what would’ve been a sack on rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. He let Ward know about it with some trash talk — and Ward wasn’t shy about responding.
“It was good to have his energy back at practice,” Callahan said.
Simmons Slims Down, Turns Up the Pressure
Simmons showed up looking lighter and quicker. He said he dropped about 20 pounds and weighed in at 301 on the day of practice. His goal is to be more explosive and turn pressures into sacks.
His quick burst was on full display against Ward, but what stood out even more was the rookie’s response. Instead of staying quiet, Ward fired back.
“I’ve been hearing how much smack he talks, so I told him I’m going to smack talk to you too,” Simmons said, smiling. “I saw it myself — that you could have a guy with that much confidence as a rookie.”
Ward appreciated the push.
“I need somebody like that, especially someone like Jeff who’s going to let you know he’s there every time,” Ward said.
Callahan: “Ward’s Built Different”
The Titans’ offense has usually stayed quiet on the field. But with Ward under center, that’s changed.
“I’m not used to calling plays to a quarterback who’s still talking while I’m talking to him,” Callahan joked.
During one rep, Simmons was yelling at Ward from the sideline. Ward turned and fired back, then got right into the huddle and didn’t miss a beat. On the next play, he hit tight end Chig Okonkwo with a dart for a first down, all while under pressure.
“The most impressive thing was him being able to get back in the huddle, get the play to the guys,” Simmons said. “He was able to still operate the offense and throw the ball down the middle of the field.”
Ward Already Leading Off the Field
Ward has also made an impression with his leadership. This offseason, he pushed the Titans to sign his college teammate and top target at Miami, Xavier Restrepo. Last season, the two connected for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In Miami, Ward often held 5 a.m. film sessions with his receivers. He’s brought that same routine to Tennessee. Now, he’s studying with Restrepo, tight end Gunnar Helm, and rookie receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor.
Ayomanor said the extra prep has helped him feel more confident during practices.
Earning the Respect of Veterans
Ward’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed by the veterans either. Right tackle JC Latham said Ward owns his mistakes — even when the blame isn’t fully on him.
And when Simmons came after him during practice, Ward didn’t back down.
“I guess Jeff must have gotten too close to Cam so he head-butted Jeff,” Latham said, laughing. “As a quarterback who hasn’t played any snaps and seeing Jeff as the top dog of the team, he’s not backing down and going right at him.”
Veteran running back Tony Pollard even joined in the fun, doing Ward’s signature “Zombieland” celebration after a long touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley. The defense clapped back the next day when cornerback Davion Ross intercepted Ward.
Ward Focused on Winning
Ward knows the position he plays comes with pressure.
“I just think as the quarterback you have to continue to motivate yourself and the guys around you when things are going bad,” he said. “The quarterback position will always be judged off wins. So I’m just trying to win a lot of games in the NFL in my career.”
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How New Packers President Ed Policy Plans to Lead the Team
Denver Broncos’ Defense Aims to Take the Next Step in 2025
This report used information from ESPN.
