"I'm tired of sugarcoating it": Jeffery Simmons gets brutally honest about Titans "not playing good team football"

Jeffery Simmons let out frustration on Sunday as Tennessee dropped its fifth straight game, losing 16-13 at home to Houston.

The Titans entered the matchup struggling to generate points. They finished with a low-output offensive performance and repeatedly stalled drives with avoidable penalties and lack of rhythm.

Simmons made it clear after the game that he wasn’t interested in softening his assessment.

"We got to play complementary football," Simmons told reporters.

"It's not good enough. Too many self-inflicted things today, like all around. I mean three-and-out, three-and-out, three-and-out. We got to be better. We're tired of sugarcoating it. I'm tired of sugar coating it. We need to be better. Especially at home. At the end of the day, we need to protect Cam (Ward) better. Simple.

"We not playing good team football right now, and it's showing. And Mike (McCoy) said it at a practice Friday. We had freaking four false starts Friday. We playing at home. We shouldn't have that many false starts. Don't care. Like I'm tired of saving feelings. I'm tired of losing. That's what I'm tired of doing."

TURRON DAVENPORT

@TDavenport_NFL

Jeffery Simmons said he's tired of sugar coating things and is sick of the #Titans not playing complimentary football.

Tennessee had five false starts, which added to the nine penalties for 62 yards. JC Latham accounted for four flags and acknowledged that they stemmed from mental miscues. Other offensive linemen also contributed to the issues. The offense recorded only 229 yards and converted just six third-down attempts.

Cam Ward backs Jeffery Simmons’ criticism: “He’s speaking nothing but the truth”

TURRON DAVENPORT

@TDavenport_NFL

Cam Ward on Jeffery Simmons: I understand and I'm frustrated with him. That's my teammate so I'm going to always support him.

Despite the penalties, Jeffery Simmons highlighted that he believes the defensive and offensive leaders remain committed to turning things around. Latham defended his performance but agreed the errors were inexcusable.

Cam Ward acknowledged Simmons’ message and reflected the emotions shared throughout the locker room.

"I understand," Ward told reporters. "I'm frustrated (along) with him. That's my teammate, so I'm going to support him same way he supported me throughout this whole journey. He's speaking nothing but the truth."

Tennessee went three-and-out on half of its possessions, gaining 95 of its yards on a final late touchdown drive.

Broadcast cameras showed Simmons engaging with offensive players on the sideline after another stalled series. He mentioned that his intent was to push teammates, not criticize them personally, emphasizing that accountability is part of being a professional.