NASHVILLE – Titans interim coach Mike McCoy held a press conference on Monday, one day after the team's 31-13 loss to the New England Patriots.
Next up is a game at the Indianapolis Colts.
Here's a look at some of the hot topics from today's presser:
-Quarterback Cam Ward has now lost the football on fumbles in back-to-back games, including one that was picked up and returned for a touchdown on Sunday. McCoy said Ward understands the importance of ball security, "and it's something you're always going to stress" to eliminate. "That's something he has to clean up," McCoy said, "because we can't hurt the football team that way."
-McCoy was asked about Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte saying the team capitalized on 'lazy' defense from the Titans. "I don't agree with it," McCoy said. "I think our players have prepared, and played hard, week in and week out. I do not agree with it."
-McCoy said a number of things contributed to New England racking up 387 yards of total offense, including 175 yards on the ground. "It's a combination," McCoy said. "We have to be in the right gaps at certain times, run fits, who is supposed to be doing certain things – that was the biggest thing. It was not just one position, or one person, it was everybody."
-McCoy said the Titans talked in their staff meeting this morning about the lack of a running game on Sunday, when the Titans ran for just 39 yards on 12 carries. "It's critical – you have to run the football," McCoy said. "You can't be one-dimensional in this business." McCoy said the team needs more balance on offense, while acknowledging the team falling behind contributed to the low rushing attempts. "In a perfect world," McCoy said, "there's some balance to it all."
-Titans nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat returned to action on Sunday after missing the previous five games. Sweat was credited with six tackles and a sack against the Patriots. "I think he did an outstanding job of getting back in, and doing his job," McCoy said. "And there's definitely some things he'll look at today, and coaches will talk to him and say, 'Hey, you need to clean these things up and do things a little better. But I think he'll play even better this week after playing, and getting back in the groove of things and getting back in football shape, and playing."
-McCoy did not have an update on defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) or cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (quad), who left Sunday's game and did not return. Receiver Calvin Ridley also didn't play because of a hamstring injury. "As the week goes on," McCoy said, "we'll give you an update on those players."
