--- title: "Saleh: Cam Ward’s accuracy isn’t a concern, every QB misses a couple" description: "Titans HC Robert Saleh brushed off rookie Cam Ward’s OTA accuracy woes, framing missed throws as normal for a QB still adapting to Tennessee’s offense." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/robert-saleh-cam-ward-s-accuracy-isn-t-a-concern-every-qb-fc40ab2e published: 2026-07-01T23:44:13.67+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T23:44:13.67+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["football"] --- # Saleh: Cam Ward’s accuracy isn’t a concern, every QB misses a couple > Titans HC Robert Saleh brushed off rookie Cam Ward’s OTA accuracy woes, framing missed throws as normal for a QB still adapting to Tennessee’s offense. Titans head coach Robert Saleh dismissed concerns over rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s OTA accuracy struggles, calling missed passes a normal part of the quarterback learning curve. Saleh’s comments came after Ward, Tennessee’s 2024 third-round pick, showed inconsistent accuracy during offseason practices. The Titans’ staff is treating the sloppy throws as part of the developmental process rather than a red flag. Tennessee’s new offense under coordinator Nick Holz has added complexity, and Saleh suggested patience is warranted as Ward adjusts. The Titans selected Ward 81st overall in April, banking on his college tape at South Dakota State. While OTA reps are non-contact and low-stakes, Ward’s early struggles have drawn scrutiny. Saleh’s public backing signals internal confidence despite the shaky spring performances. ‘Every quarterback misses a couple,’ Saleh said after Tennessee’s latest OTA session. ‘It’s part of the process. We’re not sweating it.’ Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz echoed the sentiment, noting that Ward’s mechanics are still being refined in the new system. The staff’s measured response contrasts with the urgency often placed on rookie QB development, emphasizing a long-term outlook. The new offensive scheme, built around a spread-heavy, quick-pass attack, demands precise timing and a deep understanding of route trees. Ward’s early misses can be traced to the steep learning curve as he acclimates to the playbook’s increased tempo and the need to read defensive fronts on the fly. In the broader NFL landscape, rookie quarterbacks often face intense scrutiny after a handful of subpar reps. By publicly framing Ward’s OTA struggles as routine, Saleh is signaling a long-term developmental philosophy that could set the Titans apart, potentially easing pressure on the player and allowing him to focus on incremental improvements without the weight of immediate expectations. The Titans’ approach reflects a broader trend in the NFL where teams are prioritizing patience over instant results. With quarterback development cycles stretching beyond two years in many cases, organizations are increasingly willing to absorb short-term criticism in exchange for long-term upside. Saleh’s comments underscore that Ward’s role is viewed as a project, not a placeholder, even as the Titans aim to compete in a competitive AFC South. Ward’s struggles also highlight the challenges of transitioning from a lower-level college program like South Dakota State to the NFL’s speed and complexity. The gap between FCS and the NFL is well-documented, and Ward’s early difficulties are not atypical for a rookie from a smaller program. The Titans’ staff appears to be accounting for this, treating the OTA misses as a necessary step in the adaptation process rather than an indictment of Ward’s long-term potential. ‘We’re not looking for perfection in May,’ Holz said. ‘We’re looking for progress. The reps are about building habits, not about nailing every throw.’ What’s next: Ward will continue OTA reps through June, with mandatory minicamp in mid-June. The Titans plan to ramp up 11-on-11 work in training camp, where Ward’s progress will face its first real test. ## Why this matters Saleh’s public backing of Ward signals internal confidence in the rookie’s development despite OTA accuracy issues. In a league where rookie QB expectations are often unforgiving, the Titans’ measured approach is a rare vote of faith. The message to the fanbase and media is clear: patience is the priority, not panic. If Ward’s struggles persist into training camp, the narrative could shift—but for now, the organization is treating this as a marathon, not a sprint. The Titans’ willingness to absorb early criticism while investing in Ward’s long-term growth reflects a strategic bet on his upside, even as the team navigates a competitive division. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Cam Ward struggling with accuracy in OTAs? Saleh attributes Ward’s missed throws to the natural learning curve of adjusting to Tennessee’s new offensive system under coordinator Nick Holz. The staff views the sloppy reps as part of the developmental process rather than a long-term concern. ### How is the Titans’ coaching staff reacting to Ward’s OTA struggles? The staff is treating Ward’s accuracy issues as normal for a rookie QB. Saleh and Holz have publicly backed Ward, framing the misses as part of the process and not a red flag. ### What’s next for Cam Ward after OTAs? Ward will continue OTA reps through June, followed by the mandatory minicamp in mid-June. Training camp will feature increased 11-on-11 work, where his progress will face a more rigorous test. ### Did the Titans draft Cam Ward knowing he’d need development time? Yes. Tennessee selected Ward in the third round (81st overall) based on his college production at South Dakota State. The Titans drafted him with the expectation that he’d need time to adapt to the NFL’s complexity. ### How does Saleh’s response compare to typical rookie QB narratives? Saleh’s measured approach contrasts with the urgency often placed on rookie QB development. Most teams demand immediate results; the Titans are prioritizing long-term growth, signaling confidence in Ward’s upside. ### What’s the biggest adjustment for Ward in Tennessee’s offense? The spread-heavy, quick-pass scheme demands precise timing and rapid decision-making. Ward’s early struggles stem from adapting to the playbook’s tempo and reading NFL defensive fronts, which move faster than in college. ## Sources & Citations - [Robert Saleh: Cam Ward’s accuracy isn’t a concern, every QB misses a couple - NBC Sports](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/robert-saleh-cam-wards-accuracy-isnt-a-concern-every-qb-misses-a-couple) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-16) --- Cite: Saleh: Cam Ward’s accuracy isn’t a concern, every QB misses a couple. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/robert-saleh-cam-ward-s-accuracy-isn-t-a-concern-every-qb-fc40ab2e