Defensive lineman Calais Campbell expressed his admiration for Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, saying, “I rooted for him harder than anyone else last year, probably other than his mom.” Both Campbell and Ward played college football at the University of Miami. As the Titans prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, Campbell’s perspective has shifted from fan to opponent.
Campbell praised Ward’s skills: “The way he can throw the ball from multiple arm angles, throw it across his body, put it right on the money and throw across the field which you’re not supposed to do, but when he does it, it still works out pretty consistently. You see his potential.”
The Cardinals have recent experience against highly drafted rookie quarterbacks. Last season they defeated Caleb Williams and Drake Maye but lost to Jayden Daniels. They also faced Bryce Young in both 2024 and 2025.
Coach Jonathan Gannon commented on preparing for young quarterbacks: “They are all different. They are all in different systems, all have different skill sets, being coached differently. Big time challenge, (Ward) is a good player.”
Tennessee enters this game without a win so far this season at 0-4. Gannon noted that film study of the Titans drew their attention. Meanwhile in Nashville, frustration has grown as Ward voiced dissatisfaction with recent performances during a postgame press conference.
Ward has become known among teammates for his confidence at age 23. Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. remarked on the mindset of today’s rookie quarterbacks: “Guys are obviously a little more confident coming into the league nowadays and you would want that, especially coming from that position,” he said. Wilson attributed some of this confidence to strong college programs like Miami’s.
Wilson also reflected on his own experience at Alabama and emphasized team commitment after reviewing recent close losses by Arizona: “You had time to even go back and watch both of the last two games and pinpoint certain things that I feel like we need to get better as a team, as a group, and individually… It’s going to take all of us to just stay committed, stay locked in, and believe in one another.”
Through four games this season Arizona’s defense has generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks under defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’s schemes. This will test Ward behind an offensive line missing starting tackle JC Latham.
Campbell leads Cardinals defensive linemen with eight pressures and three sacks so far this year. Sunday’s matchup will be Campbell’s 24th career game against a rookie quarterback; he holds a record of 15-8 in those games with 80 tackles and nine sacks.
Facing Ward brings added meaning for Campbell because they share an alma mater: “I think the greatest sign of respect is to give your best,” Campbell said. “Every time I play against guys who are considered Hall of Famers or just guys I have a lot of respect for, they always get my best effort.”
