Fans react to QB Cam Ward's NFL debut with Tennessee Titans

The NFL’s No. 1 overall pick got the full Mile High experience in the season opener. Cam Ward’s Titans debut ended in a 20–12 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, a game defined by Denver’s defense and Tennessee’s missed chances as the rookie quarterback finished 12-of-28 for 112 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. Ward ended up getting sacked six time and a late strip-sack sealed the win for the Broncos.

The storyline around the game for Canes fans was the lack of support Ward got from his NFL teammates. And they weren't afraid to voice their opinion on social media.

The Broncos racked up a half-dozen sacks, held Tennessee to 2.4 yards per play, and limited the Titans to 2-for-14 on third down. Tennessee actually generated four takeaways but managed only six points from them.

"Incredibly frustrating… opportunities to score points and put the game away and we didn’t do it"

Head Coach Brian Callahan

Ward’s best stretch came in the middle quarters as he strung together a handful of throws, including a 16-yard strike to TE Gunnar Helm and several quick completions, but negative plays repeatedly set them back. Also, drops from the WR core had many fans (including Ward's father) frustrated.

Receiving (team total: 12 receptions on 25 targets, 112 yards, 0 TD)

• Calvin Ridley — 4 receptions, 27 yards (6.8 avg.), 8 targets
• Chig Okonkwo — 3 receptions, 19 yards (6.3 avg.), 4 targets
• Tony Pollard — 1 reception, 29 yards (29.0 avg.), 1 target
• Gunnar Helm — 1 reception, 16 yards (16.0 avg.), 2 targets
• Elic Ayomanor — 2 receptions, 13 yards (6.5 avg.), 7 targets
• Bryce Oliver — 1 reception, 8 yards (8.0 avg.), 1 target
• Tyler Lockett — 0 receptions on 1 target
• Chimere Dike — 0 receptions on 1 target

Rushing (team total: 21 carries, 71 yards, 3.4 avg., 0 TD)

• Tony Pollard — 18 carries, 60 yards (3.3 avg.)
• Chimere Dike — 1 carry, 9 yards (9.0 avg.)
• Julius Chestnut — 2 carries, 2 yards (1.0 avg.)

For Tennessee, the penalties were as damaging as the sacks. The Titans’ offense was almost canceled out by 131 penalty yards on 13 accepted flags. Ward’s lone turnover — the game-ending fumble on sack No. 6 — showed how little margin for error Ward had.