Titans coach Robert Saleh defends Cam Ward, outlines injuries and concerns after 12-7 loss to Giants
NASHVILLE 6 Titans coach Robert Saleh met with reporters via Zoom on Monday, a day after Tennessee’s 12-7 loss to the New York Giants. He described quarterback Cam Ward’s late end-zone interception on first-and-goal from the seven as an uncharacteristic mistake in an otherwise careful performance. Saleh said Ward has been mostly “spot on” with his decision making and that the quarterback will review the play on tape.
Saleh said the play occurred when the offense was off schedule and called it “a bad decision, not a reckless decision.” He said he does not believe Ward saw the defender on the throw. Saleh added that he expects Ward will want the play back when he reviews the tape.
The Titans began Sunday’s game with five straight three-and-outs and totaled 54 yards in the first half, the fewest for the club in a game since 2010. Saleh said the offense has lacked consistency through three games, including a 10-point output in Week 1 at the New York Jets. He said the team must learn to win close games and noted that two plays separated the Titans from a 2-1 record despite the 0-3 start.
Jackson Slater, who replaced Fernando Carmona at right guard, is being evaluated for what Saleh called “a pretty significant foot injury.” Carmona, who suffered an ankle injury in the game, also remains under evaluation. Saleh praised the offensive line’s pass protection, noting the Giants did not record a sack on Sunday.
Saleh expressed continued confidence in returner Chimere Dike despite two fumbles this season and noted Dike was a Pro Bowler last season. “I know he is hurting, I know he is disappointed,” Saleh said. He added that the team has “all the faith in the world in him to get it fixed.”
Saleh lauded defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons after Tennessee credited him with 10 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits against the Giants. “He is special,” Saleh said. He said Simmons’ stat line looked “like something out of Madden” and called Simmons a special leader and elite worker who deserves every last penny.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Saleh’s remarks underline Tennessee’s priorities: limit critical late-game errors, improve red-zone execution and monitor the health of the offensive line. The offense’s 54 first-half yards and the sequence of early three-and-outs highlight a pressing need for more consistent production, while Simmons’ dominant outing shows the defense can keep the Titans competitive. How the team addresses ball security on returns and the availability of Slater and Carmona will be pivotal as Tennessee prepares to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.