The Simple Formula That Could Unlock Cam Ward

Second-year quarterback Cam Ward is coming off one of the more crushing losses of his career, but beyond the loss itself, the game highlighted an issue that has followed him throughout his young career — his mechanics.

Ward possesses a rare ability to throw from multiple arm angles while generating impressive velocity. He can make throws from imperfect platforms that few quarterbacks would attempt. When those throws connect, they create impressive highlights. When they don’t, they can lead to head-scratching misses on routine throws.

Cleaning up Ward’s mechanics should be one of the priorities for the Titans’ new staff. One adjustment stands above the rest: getting Ward to embrace the more orthodox fundamentals of playing quarterback.

That means putting more emphasis on the “boring” throws and less on trying to create the eye-popping plays.

For Ward, those fundamentals have to become second nature. Maintaining a consistent base, setting his feet when the pocket allows it and delivering the football with balance all have to become habits.

Shea Tierney and the development staff may have to strip parts of Ward’s game down to the foundation before building him back up. Part of that process will be breaking the habit of feeling like he has to play the hero.

The goal, should not be to remove Ward’s creativity. His ability to make plays off scripted remains one of his biggest strengths. Tennessee simply has to teach him when those tools are necessary and when traditional mechanics provide the better option.

That may be Titans’ biggest challenge.

Ward has spent much of his career proving he can succeed outside the traditional rules of the position. Now, the Titans have to show him the value of consistently operating within them.

The staff has to help him understand that completing routine throws improves the offense just as much as the spectacular plays that end up on highlight reels and social media. A seven-yard completion may not draw the same reaction as a sidearm strike, but it keeps the offense on schedule.

Throughout his 20 starts, Ward has shown the ability to deliver throws on time, in rhythm and with accuracy. Those plays should become the foundation of his development and mold him into a more consistent quarterback.

The objective should not be turning Ward into a robotic pocket passer. It should be making his creativity a weapon he can use when necessary rather than something he has to rely on.

If Tennessee can make the routine become routine for Ward, the spectacular plays will still be there. He just may not need them nearly as often.