Cam Ward's Preseason Debut Was a Rusty Mess, but Titans' Bench Mob Got the Job Done

Santa Clara, Calif. — If you came to see Cam Ward light it up, you probably left disappointed. The No. 1 overall pick sputtered through three drives against San Francisco's second-string defense, and it took a ground-and-pound effort plus a booming leg to drag the Titans to a 19-13 victory in Thursday's preseason opener.

Ward got off to a decent start, leading a 95-yard opening drive that ended with Tony Pollard's 5-yard touchdown run. But then things went sideways. Over Tennessee's next two possessions, Ward went 3-of-8 for 23 yards, unable to connect with No. 4 pick Carnell Tate on three targets. One would-be score near the goal line was busted up by rookie cornerback Ephesians Prysock.

NFL Legs Are Different

Joey Slye did his best impression of a cheat code, drilling four field goals — three from 50-plus yards — to keep the Titans comfortably ahead. Meanwhile, first-year head coach Robert Saleh played most of his starters in his debut, while 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan chose to sit his top-line guys after Tuesday's joint practice.

Kurtis Rourke Steals the Show

The real spark came from an unexpected source. Kurtis Rourke, the seventh-rounder who missed all of last season recovering from knee surgery, looked sharp in his pro debut. He completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards and added 14 yards on the ground across three drives. His final possession ended with Patrick Taylor Jr. punching in from 1 yard out. Rourke left after that with a rib injury — but not before showing more rhythm than Ward all night.

Rourke had a favorite target, too. Rookie receiver De'Zhaun Stribling exploded for seven catches and 63 yards, including a 32-yard dart down the sideline and a broken-tackle third-down conversion.

Quick Hits

Shanahan was back on the sideline for the first time since last month's car crash that left him with a concussion. The 49ers' punter battle is over (probably): Corliss Waitman dropped two punts inside the 10-yard line. San Francisco corner Jack Jones exited early with a right hand injury.

Up next: Titans host Seattle on Aug. 23. The 49ers head to the Chargers next Thursday.