Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has consistently supported 2025's No. 1 pick, Cam Ward. He praised Ward both before and after the draft, and now, despite the Tennessee Titans' season-opening loss to the Denver Broncos, Orlovsky continues to rave about the rookie QB's talent.
Denver's defense is one of the best in the league. Orlovsky praised Ward's talent and poise against that defense, drawing comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow.
"I was blown away by his tape. I thought his tape looked awesome," Orlovsky said on Tuesday's edition of The Pat McAfee Show. "Tennessee's got a guy. His talent of throwing a football is off the charts."
In the 20-12 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, Ward completed 12-of-28 passes for 112 yards.
Orlovsky then highlighted Ward's ability to thread the needle on throws and make tough completions under pressure.
"That's like reminds me of like Joe Burrow-ish type stuff," he said.
Orlovsky noted that the Titans could have won the game if not for numerous dropped passes. He counted as many as eight drops. "He made some throws that were... off the chart," Orlovsky said. "He cuts it loose, man. He is crazy talented throwing the ball."
Cam Ward DID NOT look like a rookie in his NFL Debut.
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) September 8, 2025
The Titans rookie QB is going to be a PROBLEM for a long time 😳 pic.twitter.com/SUfYxStniy
While praising Ward's arm talent and touch, Orlovsky also pointed out areas for improvement, particularly when it comes to decision-making under pressure. "There are times when he’s got to be like, 'Cam, you can't take that sack,’" he explained, referring to back-to-back sacks Ward took that pushed the team out of field goal range. "He's got to learn from that."
Orlovsky had praised Ward even before the Titans drafted him. In March, he declared Ward should be the No. 1 pick and said the rookie reminds him a lot of Baker Mayfield.
The Titans must ensure Ward is surrounded by players who can help him thrive. It's important that no premature conclusions are drawn about him, especially if the team struggles as a whole.