NASHVILLE – Titans interim coach Mike McCoy held a press conference on Monday, one day after the team's 25-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Titans return to action this Sunday against the Browns in Cleveland.
Here's a look at some of the hot topics from today's presser:
-McCoy did not provide any injury updates on Monday, a day after receiver Xavier Restrepo (ankle) and safety Amani Hooker (ribs) left the contest and did not return.
-McCoy said there were "up and downs" when asked about quarterback Cam Ward's performance. McCoy said the Titans had a protection breakdown on a potential deep ball to Van Jefferson while also acknowledging Ward didn't move through his progressions quick enough to get the ball out to avoid sacks on other plays. McCoy said there were drops, some missed throws, and said the receivers failed to get separation on other plays. "It was not consistent enough," McCoy said of the offense, and Ward, who completed 24-of-38 yards for 141 yards in the game.
-In summarizing Sunday's loss, McCoy said the Titans "were not good enough, obviously," noting the penalties, inconsistencies on offense, and lack of stops from the defense. McCoy said Titans came up short too many times on third down, while noting the offense needs to be able to run the ball more. "But too many opportunities we let slip by during the game," he said, "to play the way we want to play. We have to play better moving forward."
-McCoy complimented Tony Pollard, who had 10 carries for 60 yards in the game. But he said a turnover, having too many three-and-outs and other factors, kept the team from being able to get into a groove.
-McCoy said effort has not been an issue and "everyone busts their tails, the games mean something to them."
-McCoy said he loves Ward's competitiveness, and his desire to want to go for it on fourth down. "I coached one of the greatest competitors I've ever been around in Philip Rivers," McCoy said. "And there (were) plenty of discussions on the sideline where he's very emotional. And the first thing he does is walk in Monday morning and says: I know why you did that, that was the right thing. But they are all competitors, they want the ball in their hands. And that is what you want. You want all your players to want the ball in their hands."
-Asked about the growth and performance of right tackle JC Latham this season, McCoy said, "I think JC would tell you there's been the ups and downs on a weekly basis." McCoy said there are times with a tackle is going to get beat against top edge rushers in the NFL, but said the team is looking for consistency in players week in and week out.
