Titans’ Penalty Issues Come to a Head as Frustrations Mount in 1–9 Start

The Tennessee Titans’ 2025 campaign has taken another discouraging turn, with Sunday’s narrow 16–13 loss to the Houston Texans reinforcing trends that have defined their 1–9 start. Tennessee has repeatedly found ways to stall its own progress, and Week 11 was no exception. A series of miscues, mental lapses, and costly penalties overshadowed stretches of competitive play, leaving the team searching for answers as it nears the final third of the season.

Interim head coach McCoy did not hold back in the aftermath, calling attention to an issue that has plagued Tennessee all year: pre-snap penalties. His comments echoed the visible frustration of a team that often beats itself as much as its opponents do. The Titans finished the game with nine penalties for 62 yards, including five false starts—mistakes that consistently disrupted drives for an offense already trying to navigate injuries and inexperience.

The loss to Houston showcased how slim Tennessee’s margin for error has become. With rookie quarterback Cam Ward continuing to learn on the fly and the offense struggling to find rhythm, even small setbacks have significant consequences. False starts and mental errors have repeatedly derailed promising possessions, placing added pressure on a defense that has spent much of the season compensating for offensive inconsistency.

As Week 12 approaches, the Titans remain the NFL’s worst team by record, and internal frustration is rising. With players calling for accountability and coaches emphasizing discipline, Tennessee enters another week searching not only for a win but for a cleaner, more cohesive brand of football.

1. Penalties Erode Titans’ Offensive Opportunities

McCoy’s postgame remarks underscored a problem that has followed Tennessee throughout the season: the inability to stay ahead of the chains. Five false starts, all avoidable errors, proved particularly damaging. The coach described the performance as “unacceptable,” a sentiment that resonated loudly across the organization. Pre-snap penalties have long been known to derail offensive rhythm, and for a team already laboring to move the ball consistently, the impact is magnified. Tennessee’s nine total penalties against Houston repeatedly halted drives that showed early promise, forcing Cam Ward and the offense into long-yardage situations they struggled to overcome. The Titans’ margin for error has been minimal. With the offense frequently unable to sustain momentum, even small breakdowns have turned into drive-ending setbacks. McCoy highlighted the need for discipline and focus, noting that these types of mistakes are correctable with preparation, communication, and attention to detail. While the coaching staff stressed fixable issues, the players’ frustration suggested deeper concerns. The continued pattern of penalties hints at broader execution problems—ones that Tennessee has not yet managed to address despite weeks of emphasis and internal discussion.

2. Players Voice Frustration as Accountability Becomes a Theme

Defensive leader Jeffery Simmons emerged as one of the most outspoken voices following the loss. His criticism was pointed, particularly toward Tennessee’s offensive line, which struggled with pre-snap discipline and protection breakdowns that left Ward exposed. Simmons did not mince words, stating bluntly that the team “can’t keep sugarcoating it.” His message highlighted a growing impatience in the locker room as the Titans find themselves unable to correct recurring issues. The star defensive lineman emphasized the need to protect their young quarterback, calling the repeated mistakes unacceptable for a professional unit. Beyond specific criticisms, Simmons stressed a broader theme—complementary football. Tennessee has struggled to deliver complete performances across offense, defense, and special teams, often seeing one unit play well while another falters. His remarks reflected a desire for collective consistency, something the Titans have rarely displayed this season. The passion in Simmons’ comments revealed a team grappling with frustration but still searching for solutions. His message was as much about accountability as it was about urgency, signaling a leadership group that wants to change course before the season’s difficulties compound further.

3. Titans Look to Reset Ahead of Week 12

With a 1–9 record, Tennessee now faces the challenge of regrouping before a Week 12 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The team understands that talent alone won’t correct its issues—discipline, communication, and focus must improve for the Titans to compete more consistently. The coaching staff has reiterated that pre-snap penalties are among the most fixable problems in football, but the repeated nature of these errors suggests a need for renewed emphasis during practice. Reducing mental mistakes will be a priority as Tennessee seeks to give its offense a chance to stay on schedule and build sustained drives. For Cam Ward, limiting the pressure created by penalties and protection breakdowns would provide a more stable environment in which to develop. The rookie has shown flashes, but he continues to battle the challenges created by the team around him. A cleaner performance up front would allow him to operate more confidently and efficiently. Ultimately, Tennessee’s path forward depends on alignment—players and coaches committing to correcting the issues that have defined their season. A turnaround remains possible, but the Titans must first eliminate the self-inflicted mistakes that have repeatedly kept them out of the win column.