Brian Daboll is asking Cam Ward to process the defense differently than Brian Callahan did, but the early emphasis on smart decisions, easy completions and waiting for explosive opportunities looks familiar.

By PAUL KUHARSKY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It’s early and I don’t want to reach any conclusions.

But it’s fair to wonder out loud and explore, and so here’s what I’ve been thinking about:

Did the Titans change offensive staffs only to arrive at the same conclusion about what Cam Ward needs?

From the scrimmage at Nissan Stadium to the joint practices to the two preseason games, one offensive theme is clear.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) calls a play against the San Francisco 49ers during a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Cam Ward surveys the 49ers defense / ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Titans want Ward making smart decisions, and those decisions often include taking what is there and waiting for opportunities that may present themselves for bigger chunk plays.

And that has a striking overlap with the approach Brian Callahan tried with Ward as a rookie in 2025.

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Paul Kuharsky has covered the Tennessee Titans since 1996, first for The Tennessean, then ESPN.com and now independently at paulkuharsky.com. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee and one of the longest-tenured Titans beat reporters in the franchise's history.