Robert Saleh reveals how a blunt, unfiltered connection with Brian Daboll is transforming the Titans' young quarterback, proving that honest dialogue is the catalyst for elite growth.
The track record is there for Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Daboll played a key role in turning Josh Allen from a project quarterback to the player he is today at the Buffalo Bills. He then was able to do the same for Daniel Jones at the New York Giants.
He wasn't able to spend a full season with Jaxson Dart last season, but you started to see flashes from him during the short time he spent learning under Daboll.
Now, Daboll has another challenge with Cam Ward at the Titans. Ward is similar to Allen, Jones, and Dart in that the potential is there. The next step is finding a way to help him achieve that potential.
Ward and Daboll have taken a liking to each other this offseason. Ward even said in a previous interview that he and Daboll are basically the same person.
While it's easy to look at how Ward played in the first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers and worry, Robert Saleh wasn't concerned.
Aside from the talent that Ward clearly has and Daboll's calling card, there's another reason that he believes the quarterback can become who he's meant to be.
Saleh went on "The Rich Eisen Show" and discussed the biggest improvement he's seen from Ward this offseason that gives him confidence in the situation.
It was the open line of communication between the quarterback and OC.
"The biggest thing is just the constant communication," Saleh said. "They're constantly communicating. They're constantly talking about the things that are happening, not only in the game but in practice. From drill to drill to play to play. You know, as long as the dialogue is strong and there's open communication and honest communication, I think you're always gonna find growth. Cam, one thing about Daboll is he's not gonna sugarcoat anything. He's gonna tell you exactly where you are, what you need to get done, and how you need to do it. To Cam's credit, he's taking all the coaching, wants all the coaching, and he's attacking it with every fiber in his body."
Ward's rookie tape gave Titans fans a lot of hope. He threw for 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions despite having a coaching change and underperforming receivers, along with a porous offensive line and no running game.
One thing that Ward lacked last season was consistency. Saleh is trying to provide the gunslinger with that in Daboll, and it's playing a role in his development.
