Mike McCoy is quietly delivering in the area Titans fans begged him to
Mike McCoy might not be the man to turn the Tennessee Titans around in the long run, but he's made a positive impact in a few areas since he took over for Brian Callahan.
While it's flown under the radar, running back Tyjae Spears has been getting more work under McCoy than he did under Callahan. The young back is making the most of it, turning in explosive performances when he gets his chances.
Titans fans have been asking to see more of Spears, and McCoy is granting their wish.
Mike McCoy is giving Tyjae Spears the workload Titans fans knew he should get
The Titans went all-in on a mediocre roster before the 2024 season, adding aging veterans in an attempt to kick-start the franchise into contention. It didn't work out, and now they're stuck with the results.
One of those free-agent swings was running back Tony Pollard, who assumed the starting role upon arrival. Unfortunately for Spears, he's been relegated to a backup role. Spending his career as a backup, first to Derrick Henry and now to Pollard, the young running back has never had the chance to truly thrive.
But that may be changing under McCoy. Since the interim head coach took over, Spears has averaged 10 touches per game. In his previous appearances this season, he had averaged just 6.5 touches per game. It's a small sample size, but his workload is trending in the right direction.
The running back isn't making his new coach regret the decision. He was one of the only bright spots in the Titans' Week 8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, turning his nine carries into 59 yards and a touchdown. His 41-yard run was the longest offensive play of the day for Tennessee, showcasing his explosive ability. The young back was worked into the passing game too, with three catches for 23 yards.
This season, Spears is averaging 5.5 yards per carry, compared to Pollard's 3.9. He's been more efficient and more explosive than the starting back.
Pollard's workload hasn't decreased under McCoy. Instead, the Titans are leaning more heavily on the run, taking some of the pressure off rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
There's still almost no chance McCoy ends up winning the head coaching job long-term, but the decision to give Spears more opportunities to shine is already becoming one of the most positive impacts the interim coach has made for the Titans.
Maxx Crosby Promises a Dominant Return: ‘We’ll Keep Battling Every Single Play’
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line is facing a significant challenge with one of their leaders, Maxx Crosby, battling an injury. Known for his relentless play, Crosby has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since joining the team. Despite the setback, Crosby remains confident and determined to make a dominant return to the field.
In a recent statement, Crosby made it clear that the injury will not define him or his team. “Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t define who I am. I’ll keep pushing, keep fighting, and I’ll be back stronger than ever. I’m not backing down, and neither is this defense. We’ll keep battling every single play,”
Crosby’s leadership on and off the field has been critical to the Raiders’ defensive unit. His relentless style of play, combined with his ability to disrupt offenses, has made him a key player. The injury is undoubtedly a blow to the defense, but Crosby’s mindset is clear: this is just another challenge to overcome. He is determined to return stronger and continue being a force for the Raiders.
Throughout his career, Crosby has faced adversity and emerged stronger each time. His determination to keep fighting, even in the face of injury, is not just about him — it’s about setting an example for the rest of the team. Crosby’s leadership is invaluable, and it’s evident that his commitment to the team is unwavering.
The Raiders have relied on Crosby’s energy and ability to make game-changing plays. His absence may temporarily shift the dynamic of the defense, but with Crosby’s mindset and his work ethic, his return will undoubtedly reinvigorate the team. His words,
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming games, they will undoubtedly miss Crosby’s presence on the field. However, his resolve to return stronger, coupled with the defensive depth the Raiders have, will be key in sustaining their competitive edge. The team will need to rally together and maintain their defensive focus, knowing that Crosby will be back to lead them as soon as he is able.
For now, Maxx Crosby’s focus is on recovery, and when he returns, it’s clear that he’ll be ready to make his mark once again. His determination to overcome obstacles and keep fighting is a rallying cry for his teammates, and the Raiders will no doubt look to Crosby’s example as they continue to battle for a playoff spot.
