Nov, 24 2025
Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons didn’t mince words Monday after the Tennessee Titans dropped their fourth straight game — a 16-13 heartbreaker to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Back in Nashville at Nissan Stadium, Simmons, 26, stood before reporters with a clenched jaw and a message that cut through the usual team-speak: “We can’t keep sitting up here saying the same thing, trying to sugar coat it.” The frustration wasn’t just about the loss. It was about the false starts — four of them in practice alone last Friday — and the mental collapse that’s turning home games into disasters.
The Breaking Point
Simmons, who’s logged 33 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in just eight games this season, is carrying the defense on his back. But after a hamstring strain suffered against the New England Patriots on October 27, 2025, he’s been limited. Still, he showed up Monday — no crutches, no boot — and delivered the hardest truths the Titans have heard all season. "You’re coming off a bye. You’re that sloppy? Unacceptable," he said, voice rising. "You’re going to play poorly anyway — then you add penalties that set you back? That’s on us. Not the refs. Not the scheme. Us." The numbers don’t lie: the Titans have committed 18 false starts in their last five games. At home. In front of their own fans. Against a team like the Texans, who barely moved the ball, those penalties became the difference between a win and a loss. "It’s body language," Simmons added. "It’s lack of accountability. You see guys looking at the sideline like they’re waiting for someone to tell them what to do. That’s not football. That’s high school."
The Coaching Paradox
Simmons didn’t spare head coach Mike McCoy either. He referenced McCoy’s Friday practice rant about the false starts — a moment the coach admitted was "emotional" — and confirmed the staff knows the problem. "He’s not blind," Simmons said. "He’s screaming at us every day. But it’s not about yelling. It’s about execution. We’re not doing the work." The odd part? The Titans’ offense has been a mess since rookie quarterback Cam Newton, 35, was taken first overall in the 2025 draft — a move that stunned analysts. Newton, who hasn’t started a full season since 2018, looks out of sync. The offensive line, which Simmons called "the weakest link," has allowed 21 quarterback hits in the last three games. And yet, McCoy keeps running on third-and-three from midfield. "Why are we punting on fourth-and-1 at the 50?" Simmons asked. "We’ve got the best player in the league on the field — and we’re playing scared?"
Ownership’s Gamble
Behind the scenes, Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk and general manager Mike Borgonzi have doubled down on Simmons. At the 2024 and 2025 trade deadlines — both on November 5 — they turned down multiple offers for the defensive tackle, even as the team sat at 1-8. "I appreciate the way Mike Borgonzi spoke to me," Simmons said. "They didn’t trade me. They told me they believe in me. So I’m backing them. I’m all in." That loyalty matters. The Titans are worth $3.7 billion, according to Forbes — but fan trust is evaporating. Ticket sales for the Week 12 game against the Seattle Seahawks have dropped 40% since the last home loss. Social media is flooded with #FireMcCoy and #TradeSimmons hashtags — though the latter makes no sense. Simmons is the only consistent force on a team that’s lost its soul.
What’s Next? Injury, Identity, and the Road to December
Simmons’ availability for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks remains "not definitive." He’s been limited in practice since November 13. But if he plays, he’ll be the only player on the roster with the credibility to demand more — and the talent to make it happen. The Titans are 3-8. Their playoff hopes are dead. But this isn’t about wins anymore. It’s about identity.
"We need to be better," Simmons repeated, almost like a mantra. "Especially at home." The truth? The Titans aren’t broken because of injuries. They’re broken because they’ve stopped believing — and Simmons is the last one still trying to light the fire.
FAQ
Why are false starts such a big deal for the Titans?
The Titans have committed 18 false starts in their last five games — nearly four per game — which is among the worst in the NFL. These penalties kill drives, extend opponent possessions, and erode momentum. In their 16-13 loss to Houston, two false starts on third down directly led to punts instead of scoring opportunities. Coach Mike McCoy called them "mental errors," but Simmons says they’re symptoms of a deeper lack of focus and accountability.
Is Jeffery Simmons really playing through injury?
Yes. Simmons suffered a hamstring strain on October 27, 2025, against New England. He missed full practices from November 12–14, then returned for limited work. He’s not on crutches or in a boot, but his mobility is restricted. Team sources say he’s day-to-day, and his participation in Sunday’s game against Seattle hinges on how he responds to pre-game warmups. If he plays, he’ll be playing at 80% — but his presence alone could elevate the defense.
Why hasn’t the Titans’ front office made changes despite the 3-8 record?
Despite the record, GM Mike Borgonzi has prioritized long-term rebuilding over panic moves. He re-signed Simmons at both 2024 and 2025 trade deadlines, rejecting offers that could’ve brought back draft picks. Owner Amy Adams Strunk has publicly backed the plan, betting Simmons can anchor a future defensive core. The team’s 2025 first-round pick (Cam Newton) is also part of that bet — even if his transition has been rocky. The front office believes this season’s struggles are growing pains, not failures.
How does Cam Newton’s performance impact the team’s struggles?
Cam Newton, 35, is playing his first full NFL season since 2018 — and it’s clear he’s still adjusting. He’s thrown just five touchdowns against nine interceptions, and his decision-making under pressure has been erratic. Simmons noted that Newton often faces third-and-long because of penalties and poor play-calling. But the bigger issue? The offensive line, which has allowed 21 quarterback hits in three games, makes Newton’s job nearly impossible. The Titans’ offense ranks 31st in yards per drive — and Newton’s rookie status doesn’t excuse the lack of structure around him.
What’s the biggest threat to the Titans’ future if they don’t turn things around?
The biggest threat isn’t another loss — it’s losing Jeffery Simmons’ trust. He’s the team’s emotional core and only true star. If he starts questioning the direction of the franchise — especially after the front office stood by him during a 1-8 season — he could push for a trade in 2026. With his contract up after next season, and his value at a career high, the Titans risk losing their franchise player if they don’t show progress by midseason. Fans aren’t just angry about losing. They’re afraid the team is giving up.
Can the Titans still make the playoffs?
Mathematically, yes — but realistically, no. With a 3-8 record and only five games left, the Titans would need to win all remaining games and get help from multiple AFC South teams collapsing. Their next four opponents (Seahawks, Jaguars, Raiders, Colts) are all above .500. Even if they win three, their point differential (-98) and strength of schedule make a playoff berth nearly impossible. The focus now is on building for 2026 — and preserving Simmons’ legacy.