Titans quarterback Cam Ward is embracing his role as the leader. Titans coach Brian Callahan couldn't have more confidence in him.
Outside noise is nonexistant to the ears of Cam Ward.
He oozes more confidence than most rookies do, espcially in his role. The quarterback isn't shy to share it. He has enough moxy to go around.
"I know what I'm capable of doing on that football field," Ward said.
That's what he's trying to rub off on his teammates. Since arriving in Nashville, Ward has never made people question if he is a leader.
Sure, there will be growing pains. All rookies go through them when they get to the NFL, but it's about how they learn from them.
Ward played in all three preseason games, albeit briefly. In his preseason home debut in the Titans 23-13 win over the Vikings on Aug. 22, the quarterback went 3-of-4 passing for 36 yards and led a 90-yard touchdown drive.
Those are numbers that aren't going to jump off the page, but that isn't what Ward cares about. He knows what he's capable of and so do the people around him.
Those are the only opinions that matter.
"It was never important for me to show something to somebody," Ward said. "I'm trying to prove myself to my teammates every time I step on the field. That's the big reason why I do it for — the people in the building."
That's really what he wants them to take away. It's all about his teammates. He'll speak life into them.
Besides, what does he have to lose? Ward is stepping up as the leader this team needed.
"I hope that I show them I'm about them, about those guys in the locker room," Ward said. "I would really do anything it takes to win. We were a 3-14 team last year. We've got nothing to lose and everything to prove to ourselves."
At this point, there isn't much more Titans coach Brian Callahan could ask of him. He feels as confident as one can in the rookie.
"There's just a confidence in his demeanor I have when he's in there that none of this is too big for him," Callahan said. "He really operates calmly and finds completions.
"He's done well in his limited showing. I feel confident with where he's at."
The quarterback may tell you different. Ward wanted to show off his arm a little bit more. Have a little faith in him, though. The highlight reel will soon complete itself.
"I think I just really got to show that gunslinger," Ward said. "It's in playing a full game and then it's in Coach Callahan having that trust in me. I'm going to put a lot on tape this year."
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Cam Ward is ready to lead Titans, instill confidence in his team
Category: Football
