NASHVILLE – Titans interim coach Mike McCoy held a press conference on Monday, one day after the team's 38-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Next up is a game vs the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at some of the hot topics from today's presser:
-McCoy praised the professionalism of cornerback Roger McCreary, who on Monday was traded to the Rams.
"I can't thank Roger enough for everything he did for this organization," McCoy said. "He's a true pro, showed up every day, did what we asked him to do. So, I wish him nothing but the best moving forward."
-McCoy was asked about depth at cornerback, and who will step up and play, following the recent trades of Jarvis Brownlee Jr and now McCreary. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed is also on Injured Reserve.
"This just happened," McCoy said of the trade. "So, the coaching staff will talk about how we want to address this, who is going to play where. … Like any other change you make during the week, or during the game, you have to look at who does what best and I think that is what the defensive staff will look at in the next couple of days."
McCoy said rookie defensive back Marcus Harris has played with "a chip on his shoulder" and "I'm excited to see him play." The Titans also have cornerbacks Darrell Baker Jr., Jalyn Armour-Davis and Samuel Womack III on the 53-man roster, in addition to Sam Webb and Alex Johnson, cornerbacks on the team's practice squad.
McCoy said he told the team this morning the trade provides an opportunity for someone to step in.
"It's part of the business," he said. "It's the next-man-up mentality – somebody has to step up, go out there and fill that role Roger was in and go from there."
-McCoy said he has no updates on the injuries coming out of Sunday's game, and the condition of those players will be updated during the course of the week.
Edge Ali Gaye (knee), safety Xavier Woods (hamstring) and Baker (concussion) all left Sunday's game with injuries, and they did not return.
-McCoy said he regrets not going for it on the fourth-and-three from the Indianapolis 42-yard line, when he decided to punt. The Colts ended up scoring on an 80-yard touchdown run from Jonathan Taylor on the game's next play.
"I regret the decision I made to start the second half, not going for it there on the fourth down – that's on me," McCoy said. "I have to do a better job at that, and put the players in a position to keep that drive going."
-McCoy said he was pleased with quarterback Cam Ward's performance on Sunday. Ward completed 22-of-38 passes for 259 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the contest.
"The way Cam played, he played at a high level," McCoy said. "He did some really nice things in the game, and you can see the progress in the way he's playing better."
-McCoy wasn't pleased with the team's performance on run defense, where tackling was an issue. Taylor ran for 153 yards and two touchdowns against the Titans.
"We missed too many tackles against a really good back, from the first play on," McCoy said. "You see a lot of those explosive plays, and big plays that happen, and a number of them should be three-yard gains. That's a talented back, but you have to wrap him up. You can't let him get out in space like we did. That's critical that we do a better job of tackling."
-McCoy praised tight ends coach Luke Stocker for his work developing the tight ends, especially rookie Gunnar Helm, who scored his first career touchdown in Sunday's game.
"Give Luke Stocker a ton of credit," McCoy said. "I love what Luke has done with those guys. … He's a stickler for every detail. I think he has really helped Gunnar slow the game down a little bit, so he can play faster."
