Career-Best Performance Gives QB Ward a Rise in Rankings, Something for Titans to Build on During Bye

A standout game in defeat

Ward completed 26 of 40 passes, or 65%, for 304 yards against Cincinnati. He threw two touchdowns and no interceptions, setting career highs in passing yards and touchdown passes.

The Titans lost 43-36, their seventh defeat of the 2026 season. Ward’s performance was a high point in a year that has included struggles for the rookie quarterback.

A rise in the rankings

CBS Sports placed Ward at No. 25 among NFL starting quarterbacks in its latest rankings. He had been last in the list the week before. Writer Garrett Podell highlighted Ward’s performance against Joe Burrow and noted that rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate, Ward’s top target, was unavailable. Podell said Ward had something to build on as Tennessee entered its bye.

A chance to make progress

Ward has more to prove before he can secure the Titans’ starting job for 2027. The 24-year-old will need to keep improving and play clean football through the rest of the season.

Tennessee is 1-7 and faces a difficult path back into playoff contention. Still, the team can take encouragement from Ward’s career-best outing as its rebuild continues.

Jacksonville awaits after bye

A strong performance could help Ward make his case to remain Tennessee’s quarterback of the future. The team will look to build on the signs of progress from Cincinnati.