Broncos set for matchup with Cam Ward in Week 1 … and history is in their favor

Cam Ward had a decent shot of being on the field against the Denver Broncos in Week 1, no matter what.

He is, after all, the No. 1 overall pick. And most quarterbacks with that distinction get on the field immediately. But not all do, and the Tennessee Titans’ plan was to have Ward split training-camp snaps with incumbent Will Levis, the third-year passer who started 21 games over the last two seasons.

But with the news Monday that Levis will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, any doubt about Cam Ward’s status for the season opener appears gone. Now, the only variable is Ward’s health; if he makes it through training camp and the preseason intact, he appears set to open the season as the Titans’ No. 1 quarterback.

Tennessee’s other passers are ex-Broncos backup Brandon Allen and journeyman Tim Boyle.

And Ward being in the lineup could have the Broncos licking their chops.

CAM WARD WILL TRY TO SUCCEED WHERE OTHER NO. 1 PICKS HAVE FAILED

It’s not that top picks have historically struggled, of course. There are busts over time, but plenty of success stories, too.

However, Week 1 as a rookie is a difficult proposition, as history shows.

In the common-draft era — since 1967 — teams that start rookie No. 1 overall picks at quarterback are 5-19-1. But perhaps more relevantly, when going on the road, they’re 1-9.

The only team to venture on the road and win in Week 1 with a rookie top pick under center was the 1983 Broncos. But they defeated Pittsburgh 14-10 in spite of the performance of John Elway, who went 1-for-8 for 14 yards with an interception. Veteran Steve DeBerg came off the bench and threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Ron Egloff.

So, when you mix Cam Ward with a hostile environment at Empower Field at Mile High and a defense coming off of a season in which it led the NFL in sacks and features a ringleader determined to build upon his career year, it presents a daunting challenge for the rookie, and an ideal opportunity for the Broncos to get their first Week 1 win since 2021.

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