NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A quarterback making his NFL debut means a team has to expect rookie mistakes.
The Tennessee Titans didn’t help Cam Ward nearly enough, and that includes coach Brian Callahan costing the chance at stealing a big win on the road in their season opener.
Four to five dropped passes. A failure to challenge an incompletion where a wide receiver’s elbow came down inbounds. Too many penalties and sacks allowed in a 20-12 loss to Denver. Callahan took blame Monday for saying the receiver needed to get another body part down after the game.
“Ultimately, my interpretation of the rule was wrong. I’ll own it,” Callahan said. “We should have challenged the play.”
The Titans hired Callahan in January 2024 for his offensive experience, knowing he would be calling plays for the first time in his career. Tennessee went 3-14 and selected Ward hoping to land a franchise quarterback.