Tennessee Titans vs. Arizona Cardinals: 3 reasons for optimism in Week 5

The Tennessee Titans suffered a soul-crushing loss to their hated rivals, the Houston Texans, in their last outing. They lost 26-0 and completely collapsed late, a common theme this season.

There's only one direction in which this Tennessee Titans team finds itself. The Arizona Cardinals present a new opportunity and a different set of weaknesses for the Titans to attack.

Here are three reasons for optimism for the Titans.

Cam Ward's leadership

Cam Ward has appeared in this article series every week so far this season, and for good reason. He is a reason to get excited about watching this team, especially on the field. This week, he's made headlines for off-field reasons. His postgame presser last week has become the subject of national attention and even scrutiny, and seemingly puzzling criticism from head coach Brian Callahan, too.

Callahan was defensive as Ward went after the whole team. It was remarkable, the usually even-keeled Ward voiced the frustrations of those who care in the organization and the fanbase. His presser should be used as motivation by the whole organization. He should be regarded for telling it like it is, especially as collected as Cam usually is. The general pulse of the fanbase thinks so. This whole organization should mirror the fanbase, embracing Ward as the leader he has proven to be.

Arizona's decimated RB room

The Cardinals are heavily crippled at a key position. A few weeks ago, they lost their established starting running back, James Conner, to a season-ending knee injury. Trey Benson, the explosive Florida State alum, was announced this week as headed to injured/reserve. This is a good opportunity for the Titans' defense to prepare for the Cardinals' pass offense as opposed to the run game. Still, the Titans should give ample time to stop the Cardinals' running back room. However, the loss of Benson as a runner and playmaker is huge for Arizona.

Cardinals' leaky offensive line

Below, you can see how leaky this team's interior offensive line is. Without Benson, it will be interesting to see if the Cardinals trust the rest of this running back room to get into the flat or get outside the tackles with Titans' superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons lurking inside.

Interior run blocking has just not been good enough, especially around Evan Brown https://t.co/zTXAKKl08epic.twitter.com/uhv9yhIu9w— Cardinals Draft Connoisseur (@iliketofootball) October 2, 2025

The Cardinals surrendered 6.0 sacks in their game last week as well. This Cardinals' offensive line is struggling, and this is a great opportunity for Jeffery Simmons and Co. to get right and generate more sacks this week.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Cardinals: 3 reasons for optimism in Week 5