Titans hold on for 23-20 win over Falcons

Rookie quarterback Cameron Ward and a mix of backups lead the Titans to a 23-20 preseason win over the Falcons.

Ward shows promise as Titans beat Falcons 23-20

Kendell Brooks opened the scoring with a 53-yard interception return and rookie Cameron Ward played three series, finishing 2 of 7 for 42 yards. His highlight was a 35-yard completion to Elic Ayomanor on the opening Titans drive, while a long pass intended for Van Jefferson was dropped. Ward, the No 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, was given an extra series by coach Brian Callahan after the early snap count was light.

Ward is the headline here. The rookie flashed arm talent on the opening drive but still showed rough edges, a reminder that top picks need time and real reps. The extra series Callahan called suggests a careful, deliberate plan to test decision making and rhythm under game conditions. Ward’s comment that the additional snaps felt good points to a learning curve that coaches will monitor closely as they map out his path to regular-season readiness.

Beyond Ward, the game underscored how teams balance evaluation and health in the preseason. Tennessee leaned on backups and spread reps, while Atlanta rested star players and tested depth. In that context, the scoreboard matters less than the signal sent to players jockeying for spots and the future roles they may fill ahead of the regular season.

Highlights

The next preseason game will reveal more about depth and the path to the regular season.