Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward publicly showed his frustration with interim head coach Mike McCoy during Sunday's loss. The sideline incident revealed growing tension between the pair.​

The Titans lost badly to the Indianapolis Colts. The final score was 38-14 in a game that was never really close. Tennessee dropped to 1-7 on the season. The Colts improved to 7-1 and look like playoff contenders.​

The controversy happened in the third quarter. The Titans trailed 17-7 and faced fourth-and-3 at the Colts' 42-yard line. This was a key moment in the game. McCoy made the call to punt instead of going for it.​

Ward was furious about the decision. After the punt team came out, CBS cameras caught his reaction on the sideline. The rookie quarterback removed his helmet and appeared to yell at his coach.​

What did Cam Ward say to Mike McCoy on the sideline?

Ward's voice was not audible on the broadcast. But fans and analysts immediately started analyzing the footage. Multiple people who read lips came to the same conclusion. Ward appeared to say: “What the fuck are we doing, Mike? Go for it.”​

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The conservative decision backfired immediately. Johnny Hekker's punt sailed into the end zone for a touchback. The Colts got the ball at their own 20-yard line.​

On the very next play, disaster struck. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor broke loose for an 80-yard touchdown run. It was the longest run of his career. The score jumped to 24-7, and the game was essentially over.​

Ward struggled throughout the afternoon. He completed 22 of 38 passes for 259 yards. He threw one touchdown and one interception.

McCoy later admitted his mistake. He told reporters he probably should have gone for it on fourth down. The interim coach said he expected the defense to make a stop.​

The incident highlights Tennessee's struggles this season. Ward's rookie year has been difficult, with coaching changes and mounting losses.​