Whereas Cam Ward determined to go well with up for the Miami Hurricanes towards the Iowa State within the Pop Tart Bowl, he sat out the second half. This drew loads of criticism from followers and analysts, who hoped to see the highest 2025 NFL Draft prospect for everything of the sport.
Cam Ward Criticized For Sitting Out Second Half of Pop Tart Bowl
Iowa State defeated Miami, 42-41, within the Pop Tart Bowl. When Ward exited the sport, he had accomplished 12 of 19 passes for 190 yards, three touchdowns, and nil interceptions.
Ward was enjoying very well, so there’s a robust case to be made that the Hurricanes would have gained the sport if he continued enjoying.
Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal was requested in regards to the resolution to take a seat Ward after the sport, however he didn’t present a lot perception into the choice.
“I believe all conferences with gamers and choices like that, we make them in personal and we maintain them in personal. So I’ll favor to not reply questions because it pertains to that,” Cristobal mentioned. “I do know he performed his finest whereas he was in there.”
I requested Mario Cristobal about how he and Cam Ward got here to the choice for Ward to play one half. Right here is the total quote.
I do not consider Cam Ward has mentioned why he opted to play within the bowl recreation. He has not been made obtainable to native media because the Syracuse recreation. pic.twitter.com/lkKxwCZK5x
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) December 29, 2024
Instantly, Ward began getting criticized for his resolution to take a seat out the second half.
“I respect that Cam Ward, this present day in CFB, performed in any respect. However I simply can’t think about beginning any recreation with teammates, particularly as a quarterback, and electing to tug myself out whereas my teammates are nonetheless attempting to complete the job in a back-and-forth battle,” mentioned NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay. “I’m a realist. I do know the local weather. I’m not even knocking Cam right here. It’s simply totally different.”
“What a multitude,” mentioned NFL Community Ian Rapoport. “School coaches do their gamers such a disservice by hiding them. I believe Cam Ward can be OK, by some means, by addressing this.”
What a multitude. School coaches do their gamers such a disservice by hiding them. I believe Cam Ward can be OK, by some means, by addressing this.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2024
Nevertheless, Ward hasn’t talked to the media since Nov. 30 when Miami misplaced to Syracuse, as Adam Lichtenstein of the South Florida Solar Sentinel famous.
It’s value noting that some analysts defended Ward. Former Heisman Trophy winner and present analyst Robert Griffin III was one individual standing up for the highest prospect.
“Identical folks criticizing Cam Ward for sitting out the 2nd half of the Pop Tarts Bowl, can be saying how dumb it was for him to play if he received harm,” RGIII mentioned. “He didn’t should play AT ALL. As a substitute he gave us a half of jaw dropping performs. Cease villainizing these pupil athletes.”
Identical folks criticizing Cam Ward for sitting out the 2nd half of the Pop Tarts Bowl, can be saying how dumb it was for him to play if he received harm. He didn’t should play AT ALL. As a substitute he gave us a half of jaw dropping performs. Cease villainizing these pupil athletes.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 29, 2024
Whereas this isn’t an excellent search for Ward, he’s nonetheless anticipated to be one of many high prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft. He has established himself as one of many high QBs within the 2025 NFL Draft with a formidable season in Miami.
The playmaking QB had already displayed his creation capability and big-play potential, however with the ‘Canes, he’s improved his management, accuracy, and ball safety.
Ward is undeniably proficient, making a number of the hardest throws look easy. His elite composite arm expertise permits him to layer passes into extremely tight home windows. He’s a hazard as a passer from any platform, inside or outdoors of construction, and his arm elasticity is completely attuned to the trendy recreation.
Ward is a high-level downside solver in chaotic conditions, with the mixed malleability, as an athlete and a thrower, and the improvisational really feel to make one thing out of nothing. However usually previously, he relied on that creation capability to a fault due to different deficiencies.
In, he confirmed development as a pocket operator and discipline basic. Ward is working extra ceaselessly pre-snap, and he’s enjoying with extra decisiveness and effectivity on a number of ranges.
