WATCH: Cam Ward blasts Mike McCoy on sidelines as Titans interim coach punts on 4th and 3 vs. Colts

The Tennessee Titans have been having a nightmarish start to the 2025 season, and one moment on Sunday perfectly summarized it.

During the first drive of the second half at the Indianapolis Colts, they managed to make it to the opposing 42, but their drive seemingly stalled there. Despite needing only three yards to reset the downs, however, Mike McCoy opted to punt.

The decision infuriated rookie quarterback Cam Ward, whom CBS's cameras caught swearing at the interim head coach on the sidelines:

"The (expletive) are we doing, Mike? Go for it!"

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His rage would be vindicated on literally the very next drive: after Johnny Hekker sent the ball to the end zone for a touchback, setting up the Colts at their 20, running back Jonathan Taylor destroyed the Titans' defense for an 80-yard rushing touchdown - the longest of his career:

It was the second time the Colts punished the Titans for punting with a touchdown, as Taylor did the same thing in the first quarter. And it would happen again to end the third, this time courtesy of Daniel Jones connecting with Josh Downs.

Ward finished the game with 22 completions for 259 yards and a touchdown against an interception.

Interim HC Mike McCoy reacts to Titans’ loss at Colts

After the game. which ended in a 38-14 defeat for the Titans, Mike McCoy took the stand to address his thoughts. He said:

"We got to play better and coach better all around... I think it's frustrating to not win games for everybody... everyone has got to stick together."

He continued:

"It's a combination of everything... there's millions of things of why things don't work... every play there is something you coach and critique."

Regarding the controversial 4th-down call at the beginning of the second half, he claimed not to have heard Cam Ward yelling at him. He also admitted that, in hindsight, he should have gone for it, given what transpired on the next drive.

He also praised his quarterback’s “fiery” disposition:

“He wants to win; he puts in the time …He’s a competitor, and that’s what you love about him.”

The team’s next game is against the Los Angeles Chargers a week from now. Kickoff is at 12 pm CT on CBS.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

Know More

Colts Fans! Check out the latest Indianapolis Colts Schedule and dive into the Colts Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Andre Castillo