Blake Beddingfield sees encouraging signs from Cam Ward, the offensive line and several young Titans, but the progress still hasn't produced a victory.
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans are 0-4, but I remain an optimist because I continue to see a competitive spirit that lasts throughout games no matter how far behind they fall.
The good: Rookie first-round pick Carnell Tate emerged as a go-to option for Cam Ward, catching nine passes for 145 yards. He had a costly fumble and a few drops, but there are positive signs from the fourth overall pick.
Ward was mainly a check-down QB in the first half, but made multiple big throws in the second, escaping pressure and extending plays with his legs. Some of those scrambles came when he left a clean pocket, but for the most part he did a good job avoiding pressure and keeping plays alive.
Ward threw a bad interception intended for Tony Pollard on the second play and had a questionable late pitch to Tyjae Spears as he was being tackled. Luckily, that ball went out of bounds.
The Titans played from behind the entire game, and even when they got within six points, it never felt like they had a chance to win. Learning how to turn their competitiveness into wins is the next step for this young team.
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