Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward had his strongest performance of the season in a 30-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Ward threw for 256 yards and a touchdown without an interception, while adding a rushing score. The defeat dropped the Titans to 1-10, securing their spot atop the 2026 NFL Draft order.
The Tennessee Titans fell to 1-10 after a 30-24 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12, extending their losing streak to six games. Despite the loss, rookie quarterback Cam Ward showcased significant growth, delivering his best outing as a professional against a stout Seahawks defense ranked sixth in points allowed.
Ward completed 28 of 42 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions, earning a 91.0 passer rating. He generated a +4.4 EPA, his first positive mark of the season, according to Next Gen Stats. Pressured on 42.0% of dropbacks, Ward posted a +11.0 completion percentage over expected when under duress. He also contributed on the ground with six rushes for 37 yards and his first career rushing touchdown.
"It's taking that next step, and that's what he's done," interim coach Mike McCoy said. "We've been saying it from day one, the way he competes, the way he works every day."
Ward avoided turnovers for the third straight game, a marked improvement from earlier fumbles and interceptions. The Titans scored 17 points against Seattle, surpassing their season average of 12.3. Rookies stepped up too: tight end Gunnar Helm caught six passes for 51 yards, wideout Chimere Dike returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown and added five receptions for 44 yards and another score, while safety Kevin Winston Jr. recorded 10 tackles.
"That gives a lot of hope," Ward said of the rookie class.
With the loss, Tennessee holds the No. 1 spot in the 2026 NFL Draft order. The team, averaging low offensive output, needs bolstering at offensive tackle, interior offensive line, wide receiver, defensive line, and edge rusher. Ward's development offers optimism heading into the offseason.