The NFL opener in Denver was not a welcoming stage for Cam Ward. The Tennessee Titans’ top overall draft pick drew one of the toughest assignments possible for his debut, and the Broncos’ defense made sure his first game will be remembered for frustration. Ward’s final line told part of the story. He completed just 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards, averaging four yards per completion. He did not throw a touchdown, did not throw an interception, but he did lose a fumble in the final minute on his sixth sack. More than that, the Titans’ offense simply could not function. They finished with only seven first downs, 133 total yards, 2.4 yards per play, and 13 penalties for 131 yards. Their third down efficiency was just 2-for-14. OUCH Patrick Surtain, last year’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year, summed it up: “We had a dominant performance.” That was no exaggeration. Denver’s defense looked sharp, physical, and relentless, overwhelming a rookie quarterback who had no chance to settle in. Empower Field is rarely kind to visitors, and Ward entered into one of the league’s more hostile environments. The afternoon also included a brief weather delay for lightning warnings, adding to the sense of unease. But the rhythm of the game never shifted in Tennessee’s favor. The Titans’ problems went beyond their rookie quarterback. The offensive line was outplayed, unable to protect Ward or generate push in the run game. Every drive felt uphill, with penalties and negative plays creating constant long-yardage situations. Denver’s offense was uneven but effective enough. Quarterback Bo Nix threw for 166 yards with two interceptions, and the passing game never fully clicked. But the Broncos had help from the backfield. RJ Harvey and JK Dobbins provided balance, and Cortland Sutton once again showed his value as a contested-catch target in the red zone. By the fourth quarter, it was clear Tennessee had no answers. Denver’s defensive front continued to pressure Ward, and the secondary closed off throwing lanes. Each Titans possession stalled quickly, leaving the rookie with little opportunity to respond. The final sequence told the story. Ward dropped back in the final minute, still searching for one chance to spark a comeback. Instead, he was sacked for the sixth time, lost the ball, and Denver recovered to end the game. The larger picture is clear. Denver has the pieces to be competitive in the AFC West if its defense maintains this level. Surtain and the pass rush provide a backbone that can carry them, even while the offense works through early-season inconsistency. For Tennessee, the challenge is helping Cam Ward grow under difficult circumstances. He faced a brutal test in his first outing, one that exposed rookie inexperience and team-wide flaws. The Titans must cut penalties, protect better, and give their quarterback a chance to learn without being overwhelmed. On Sunday in Denver, the lesson was simple: a strong defense can still dictate everything. The Broncos proved it, and Cam Ward paid the price in his first NFL start.