Titans’ Preseason Opener Ends in Tough 29-7 Loss, But Rookie Cam Ward Shines

Tennessee Titans’ Preseason Opener: Tough Start Against Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tennessee Titans kicked off their 2025 preseason with a tough loss, dropping a 29-7 decision to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From the jump, the Bucs showed why they’re considered a powerhouse, especially with their dominant running game that wore down Tennessee’s defense, particularly in the fourth quarter when things got out of hand.

Cam Ward’s Bright Spot in an Otherwise Gloomy Night

One of the few positives for the Titans came from rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who made his NFL debut and showed flashes of promise. Ward was sharp and poised on his first drive, completing 5-of-8 passes for 68 yards and leading Tennessee to their lone touchdown of the game. His coolness under pressure gave fans hope, but unfortunately, that spark faded once he left the field.

After Ward exited, the offense stalled. Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle took turns at quarterback but neither could ignite the offense. The Titans’ offense sputtered and struggled to maintain any rhythm, a far cry from the promising start with Ward.

Buccaneers’ Ground Game Dominates

The Buccaneers leaned heavily on their running game, and it paid off big time. They consistently ran the ball effectively, wearing down the Titans’ defense as the game progressed. By the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay pulled away decisively, scoring multiple times and leaving the Titans in the dust.

The physical toll was evident, as the Titans defense, which had moments of grit early on, couldn’t keep pace with the Buccaneers' relentless ground attack.

Key Takeaways From the Titans’ Preseason Opener

• Cam Ward’s Impressive Debut
  Rookie Cam Ward’s brief time on the field was encouraging. He looked calm, collected, and capable of making smart throws, setting up the team’s only touchdown drive. For a first NFL action, Ward showed promise as a potential future leader under center.

• Offensive Struggles Post-Ward
  Unfortunately, the offense flatlined once Ward left. Neither Brandon Allen nor Tim Boyle could find a rhythm, and the Titans ended up with just one touchdown on the night. This spells concern for depth at quarterback as the regular season approaches.

• Run Defense Needs Work
  The Buccaneers’ ground dominance exposed some weaknesses in the Titans’ run defense. The defense was worn down late, allowing Tampa Bay to pull away. This is an area the coaching staff will need to focus on during the preseason and training camp.

• Special Teams and Other Units
  While the offense and defense grabbed most of the attention, special teams also had their moments — both good and bad. The kickoff coverage was decent, but some punt returns left a bit to be desired.

What Fans on X Had to Say

As the game wrapped up, the fan reactions started pouring in on X (formerly Twitter), with a mix of frustration, hope, and calls for improvement:

• “Cam Ward looks like the real deal. If he can keep that up, maybe the Titans have something special.”

• “Ugh, the run defense needs a complete overhaul. Bucs ran right through us all night.”

• “Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle couldn’t get anything going. Not looking good for backup QBs.”

• “Still early preseason, but that 4th quarter collapse hurts.”

• “Would’ve liked to see more from the offense after Ward left. Hope the coaches tweak something.”

Breaking Down the Titans’ Offense

The offense looked promising early, especially with Ward, but it fell apart quickly once the backup QBs stepped in. The running game was inconsistent and the passing attack was shaky. Without Ward’s spark, the Titans couldn’t sustain drives or put points on the board.

• Passing Game: Ward was sharp but limited in snaps. Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle struggled to move the chains, showing issues with timing and execution. The receiving corps did their best but lacked enough opportunities to shine.

• Running Game: The ground attack didn’t do enough to support the passing game. They had some flashes but couldn’t consistently establish the run, which put additional pressure on the QBs.

Defense – Early Promise But Late Breakdown

The defense showed glimpses of toughness early on, forcing Tampa Bay to settle for short gains and keeping the score close in the first half. However, as the Buccaneers’ rushing attack kept pounding, the defense grew tired and missed tackles, leading to big plays late.

• Run Defense: This was the biggest problem area. Tampa Bay’s running backs found seams and the Titans’ defensive front couldn’t close them fast enough.

• Pass Defense: Held up reasonably well, forcing some incompletions, but the pressure on the QB was limited, which could be problematic down the line.

What This Loss Means Going Forward

Preseason games are never about the win or loss, but this one highlighted some serious concerns for Tennessee. The offensive inconsistency after Ward left the field, combined with defensive fatigue, points to areas needing major attention before the regular season kicks off.

Coaches will definitely focus on:

• Developing depth at quarterback

• Improving the run defense’s stamina and tackling

• Finding a more consistent offensive rhythm

• Special teams tweaks to prevent giving up good field position

A Look Ahead: Titans’ Preseason Road Map

The good news? The preseason is just getting started. This loss, while disappointing, gives the Titans valuable insight into what needs work. Fans should keep an eye on:

• Cam Ward’s Development: Will he build on his promising debut and maybe push for more playing time?

• Quarterback Competition: Who among the backups steps up to challenge Allen and Boyle?

• Defensive Adjustments: Can the defense get tougher and hold up against physical rushing attacks?

• Emerging Playmakers: Which young players or new additions make a statement?

Final Thoughts

The Tennessee Titans’ 29-7 loss to the Buccaneers was a harsh reminder of the work ahead. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom — rookie Cam Ward gave fans a reason to be excited, and the defense, while fatigued, showed resilience early on. The running game and offensive consistency remain major questions, but the preseason is a long road, and there’s plenty of time to improve.

As the team hits the practice field and upcoming preseason games, fans will be watching closely to see if the Titans can shake off this rough start and gear up for a more competitive 2025 season.