Six Things That Stood Out for the Titans in Their Preseason Loss to the Buccaneers
In the aftermath of the Tennessee Titans’ 29–7 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s clear that this game was far more than just a routine exhibition matchup. It provided valuable insight into the current state of the team and a glimpse into what may lie ahead. While the final score was lopsided, the nuances of the performance revealed reasons for both optimism and concern. From standout moments to glaring issues, here are six key takeaways that defined the Titans’ outing on Saturday night.
The most significant and positive development from the night was the NFL debut of rookie quarterback Cam Ward. All eyes were on the highly touted first-round pick, and he did not disappoint. In limited action, Ward completed five of eight passes for 67 yards and engineered an impressive 11-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. During that series, he looked poised, decisive, and comfortable in the pocket. He spread the ball around, showcased his timing, and made smart reads under pressure. Though one pass nearly resulted in an interception, it didn’t overshadow his overall control and command of the offense. His confidence, especially in high-pressure situations like third downs, stood out. For a player making his first appearance under the lights, it was a highly encouraging performance that suggests the Titans may have found their quarterback of the future.
That first takeaway leads directly into the second major storyline of the evening—the budding chemistry between Cam Ward and veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley. On Ward’s lone scoring drive, Ridley hauled in three passes for 50 yards, including a pair of clutch third-down conversions and a deep 27-yard strike that ignited the offense. Their connection appeared natural and fluid, an early sign that Ridley could become Ward’s go-to target in the regular season. Ridley’s crisp route-running and Ward’s anticipation formed a tandem that looked in midseason form. This is a duo that, if healthy and supported by a functional offense, has the potential to consistently stretch defenses and keep opposing secondaries on their heels.
The third positive from the night was the performance of the Titans’ starting offensive line. Despite the absence of some key players, including center Lloyd Cushenberry, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the line held up well during Ward’s series. Protection was solid, giving Ward the time he needed to make accurate throws and move through his progressions. There was noticeable improvement in pass-blocking discipline and communication compared to what was seen in training camp practices. Though it’s early, the group’s cohesion under pressure bodes well for an offense that will need to protect a rookie quarterback and open lanes for a run game that has traditionally been a strength in Tennessee.
Unfortunately, not all quarterbacks wearing Titans jerseys fared as well. The fourth major takeaway was the poor showing from the backup quarterbacks. Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle both struggled significantly. Allen looked uncomfortable in the pocket and failed to generate any momentum with the second-team offense. Boyle, meanwhile, had a forgettable outing that culminated in a pick-six—an interception returned 39 yards for a touchdown that effectively sealed the game. His decision-making and accuracy were both off, and the offense looked disjointed during his time on the field. The performance was concerning enough that the team made a roster move the following day, releasing Boyle and signing veteran Trevor Siemian to add experience and reliability behind Ward. The preseason is often used to evaluate depth, and this game exposed just how shaky the Titans’ quarterback depth chart looks behind their rookie signal-caller.
The fifth takeaway centers on the defensive side of the ball, where the secondary showed troubling lapses in coverage and tackling. On the Buccaneers’ opening drive, the Titans’ defense surrendered multiple big plays due to missed assignments and poor tackling technique. Veteran safety Amani Hooker and cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. were each beaten in coverage, giving up chunk plays that allowed Tampa Bay to move down the field with ease. Later in the game, undrafted rookie Jalen Kimber missed a tackle behind the line of scrimmage that would’ve forced a third-and-long. Instead, it led to another Tampa Bay first down and continued a trend of defensive breakdowns. While preseason games are never a complete representation of a defense’s capability, these lapses raise valid concerns about depth, communication, and readiness in the secondary.
Lastly, and perhaps most concerning in terms of roster health, was the injury to running back Tyjae Spears. Early in the game, Spears appeared hobbled and was later carted off the field with what was diagnosed as a high-ankle sprain. The injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks and could impact his availability for the start of the regular season. Spears was anticipated to play a significant role in the Titans’ backfield rotation, especially as a change-of-pace option. His absence creates opportunities for players like Julius Chestnut and rookie Kalel Mullings, but it also adds pressure to an already evolving offense. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NFL, and the Titans now face an early test of their backfield depth and adaptability.
Taken together, these six takeaways paint a comprehensive picture of where the Titans stand after their preseason opener. The emergence of Cam Ward and his connection with Ridley provide hope that the offense is trending in the right direction. The protection up front offers further encouragement. But quarterback depth, defensive inconsistencies, and the Spears injury all highlight the challenges still facing this team. With two more preseason games remaining, the Titans coaching staff will be focused on tightening execution, evaluating position battles, and building momentum heading into Week 1.
This loss to the Buccaneers, while painful on the scoreboard, was not without its bright spots. Preseason football is about more than wins and losses—it’s about development, evaluation, and preparation. In that sense, Saturday night served its purpose. The Titans know where they stand, and more importantly, they know where they need to go. What happens in the coming weeks—both in practice and in the next two preseason contests—will determine how ready they are to take that next step.
