NASHVILLE – And we've reached the final week of the 2024 season.
The Titans will face the Texans in the season finale on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Then, the offseason will begin.
But for now, we have to talk about another loss, this one to the Jaguars, and more.
Let's get right to it on New Year's Eve…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Chris Berry from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: No comments or questions about the game, but can we all please acknowledge that it is time to look forward to next season rather than next week? Many of the final games won't have much meaning and teams won't be playing their best lineup. I'm not saying the players on the field shouldn't compete; I'm just saying the organization should protect their assets that matter for the off-season and next season. Players like Ridley, Pollard, Spears, Latham, Skoronski, Simmons, Sweat, Hooker, & Awuzie should be protected. Plus we should protect our other biggest asset for next season (#2 draft pick). We are huge fans in our house, but don't give me that crap saying true fans could never root for their team to lose. We absolutely can hope to lose a meaningless game in order to have more hope for next season. A top 3 draft pick can get an outstanding player or huge trade compensation in picks to help build for the future. My question: Everyone knows that some of these games get thrown, but are there any official rules related to not putting good players on the field if otherwise healthy?
Jim: Games do not get "thrown" in the NFL, Chris. Sure, some teams decide to sit players this time of year, especially those headed to the playoffs. But I can assure you the players on the field this Sunday for the Titans will be playing to win. Whether they're good enough to do so remains to be seen. I don't need to remind anyone the 2024 Titans are 3-13.
Roger Gulley from Bethpage, Tennessee
Question: No questions just a comment. I know there are a lot of people out there that will not agree with what I am about to say. I know Will Levis has had a rough year. When he was drafted everyone knew he was supposed to replace Tannehill. I think that somewhere thru last season Tannehill made the statement that he was not open to mentoring another QB. I think the Titans should bring in someone to let him play behind for a while to learn the pro game. I remember Levis being pretty good on the move but Callahan seems to want someone to stay in pocket. Why not sometimes call the game to your QB's game instead your own philosophy. I would love to see Marcus Mariota back in Tennessee. His game and Levis could be very similar. He was the last Tennessee QB with three winning seasons in a row. Just saying.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Roger, but I can assure you this is not going to happen.
Jared Mixon from Willmar, Minnesota
Question: As an OKState alum, I've always cheered for Rudolph. He was exciting to watch in college and won us many games. But in the NFL, he's a good backup QB. Levis is the starter and should be playing. Every good coach knows you put your best available players on the field. You don't make your players better by keeping them on the bench (unless they aren't giving their full effort, then you bench them for at most 1 game to send a message). Levis may not have been perfect, but he needs the reps and at least he's entertaining to watch. It's clear that Callahan is set to move on from Levis and is setting up Rudolph to compete for the starting job next season. And if that's the case, I'll have to watch some other team next season- the price I pay to watch out-of-area games is just too high for these boring losses.
Also, whoever thought it was a good idea to run Spears into the ground after already missing extended time for a concussion should be fired. It should have been a steady rotation with another running back. He took multiple big hits in that game and should have been on a pitch count.
Jim: Hey Jared. I don't completely disagree with you on the Levis/Rudolph dynamic. I've said in here a few times I would have let Levis finish the season, but I also understood why the decision was made. Coach Callahan said yesterday the plan is for Will Levis and Mason Rudolph to both play in the finale. We disagree on Spears, and how he was used. Tyjae wants to play, and he needs to play. He's missed a lot of time, and with Tony Pollard out, this was his chance. Unfortunately, he got hurt, suffered another concussion. Callahan said there's a chance Pollard could return this week, and he didn't completely ruled out Spears. But I suspect you'll see some other guys.
Landon Good from Toledo, Ohio
Question: Just had to write in to thank the Titans for a great year! Callahan has looked great and made some great calls! Our offense seems to really be clicking, and I am glad we are starting Rudolph so we can see if he's the QB of the future. It just makes sense.
Callahan knows what he's doing. He is scoring 10-15 points a week on purpose, just so we can get a higher draft pick. He's coached us to the 2nd overall pick, but this will bode well for the future. Again, has to be planned.
The way he has developed our young talent this year, I would really trust him to bring in a young QB (ONLY if Rudolph is not the future. I know we benched Levis so we could see what Rudolph brings!)
Not sure if the Titans, ownership, or the GM realizes, but eventually we are going to have to bring our offense to this century. For the Love of God, do something different. Obviously what they are doing has not worked...the only reason the run first offense worked and took us to the playoffs was because of Henry...not a long term solution. I used to think you had to be on a certain level or have a certain skill set to be a GM or head coach....now realizing they don't know much more than the average person. Sad. Just sad to be a Titans fan.
Jim: Happy New Year, Landon.
Chris Yorkey from Union Springs, New York
Question: Hey Amigo! I've written in a couple of times before, but first want to thank you as many of us often do, for all of the hard work and great information you bring to us Titans fans on a regular basis. Now on to my two (2) points:
Several others have pointed out the lack of 'identity' with our team, especially since the 'soft' question arose during one of Coach's recent pressers. I have to ask you, what is our team's identity these days from your perspective? Historically, back to the bruising Earl Campbell days, through the exciting Run-and-Shoot era leading up to the Steve/Eddie years, our team had a clear identity. And even with the prior regime of Jon Robinson/Coach Vrabel, our team as Jon often said was made up of "tough, physical, team-first players". (he said that a lot over the years and in reality the team was for the most part exactly that). Today, I can't even fathom what our identity is. Curious if you have your own thoughts here.
Secondly, although professional sports preferences here in Upstate NY are very mixed, the general consensus around the most popular college football team here is Syracuse University. And I've seen a few sports analysts that have mentioned Sr QB Kyle McCord as a 3rd or 4th round possibility for NFL teams. I'm here to say, this kid is VERY GOOD. An Ohio State transfer, that outside of one bad game in Pittsburgh this season, has statistically set several team records in the SU passing game. I'm excited to see him play Friday night in the Holiday Bowl. Whatever direction our team decides to go with the QB situation in 2025 is fine, but this kid deserves at least a look. A veteran signing combined with someone like McCord learning the ropes might be just what our team needs. I just wanted to share. I'm guessing too that Keith Bulluck (SU alum and Titans great) would also approve. ;-)
Thanks again Jim for all you do !
Jim: Hey Chris. Good to hear from you. I'm not going to sit here and blow a lot of smoke about this team's identity. At 3-13, this team's identity is it's in last place in the AFC South, it hasn't won back-to-back games since October 2022, and it's lost five games in a row. I could tell you the team plays hard and doesn't quit, but I think the same could be said for most teams across the NFL. Some teams aren't good enough to win, and that's where the Titans are right now. When this season ends, the mission will be to get things fixed to keep a dreadful season like this from ever happening again.
As for what happens at QB next year, I know a lot of options will be out there. Who fits, and whether that player develops into a franchise QB, well, that remains to be seen. I'm definitely familiar with McCord. I know he lit it up in the bowl game.
Jason Knight from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: Hello there Jim another week another loss. When they first announced the oilers where gonna move here you would have been hard pressed to find someone more excited. One thing I have noticed since I have followed this team is this: When we have had a identity as a football team it been because we had a strong offensive line that mauled people and we had a strong running game. We had Eddie then it was Chris Johnson then king Henry, when we have tried to have a flashy pass first offensive we have suffered. Maybe we should just stick with a hard-nosed smash mouth type of team it has served us better. I say keep Levis, this QB class is weak, draft a left tackle move latham to right tackle get a right guard through the draft and a pass rusher and linebackers build through the draft. Just a observation but what do I know. I know that the jaguars stadium looked about like ours. GOD Bless you and your family Jim and keep up the good work.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Jason.
Robert Andrews from Levittown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim hope all is well. I haven't written in a while. Just moved from Ocean City MD to Levittown, PA. I don't know if you remember me, but I just wanted to say I got the best Christmas gift ever: We found out we're pregnant. After some discussions if it's a boy we're naming him Titan. We are thinking the due date is around August or July just wanted to share the news and let everyone know that no matter what happens in football always stick by your team through the good and the bad and Titan Up.
Jim: I do remember you, Robert. We talked about me going on family vacations to Ocean City when I was a kid. Congratulations on your big news! Titan Andrews has a nice ring to it! 😊
Scott Peek from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Long time first time.
I know everyone is clamoring for a new qb. Here's my thought: We don't need to break the bank for an absolute blue chip player at one position. We have too many needs.
So think we Keep Rudolph around as backup, and try to go get Hendon Hooker from Detroit. He has two years left on his rookie contract so he's not an anchor. He's affordable, and if he works out, you get more years out of him than you get out of someone like Cousins.
Getting him would energize a fan base that needs it, right when the team is trying to sell tickets for a new stadium, (I know fan enthusiasm can't always be a determining factor, but gotta get fans excited). It's getting a qb that has taken snaps at the pro level, and has sat behind and learned from a proven qb for two years.
Doesn't cost anything to reach out and inquire.
Jim: Hey Scott. I know we're going to get a whole lot of opinions about QB options over the next few weeks and months. For some reason, I seem to always get a lot about Hendon Hooker...
Michael Thornton from Rock Hill, South Carolina
Question: I was really hoping that Santa would bring a "W" to Titanville, but alas, it seems as if the Grinch stole all the joy for the fans and the team. Yes, losing stings for everyone - the pros on the team and the fans. I can remember all the hoop-a-la when there was a new GM and coaching staff. Sadly, they have not lived up to their billing. I can only hope that the owners will invest their money into a coaching staff and players that will take this team to the Steve McNair/Eddie George/Frank Wycheck era. What a great players with a lot of heart. I do remember them well. I was hoping at the age of 75 and following the Titans since the days of Moon, I hoped that would see them win a Super Bowl. Sadly, I do not see that happening under current management or my lifetime. I guess, as a consultation prize, the Titans move up in the draft. I hope that use the draft well. My 2 cents worth and another $20 will buy you a burger at a good burger joint. Happy New Year.
Jim: Appreciate it, Michael. You can get a good burger at Jack Brown's Burger Joint in Nashville for a little cheaper 😊…
Joseph Waldrup from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Christmas is over and all the gifts have been handed out and opened. What Titan's gift do you think Ms. Amy asked of Santa for next season?
Second (and third) question: With the emphasis for several past seasons being to elevated and improve the offense line by using very early draft picks, is this a strategy used by most teams and do you think Titan management feels positive about this young group's progress? Happy Holidays.
Jim: Hey Joseph. I can't speak for the owner and her Christmas list. But I know she'd like a lot more wins, and a better team next year. … As for how management feels about the progress of the offensive line, I think we all know the answer to this question.
Ed Walker from Jamestown, Tennessee
Question: Good evening Jim. Appreciate your continued coverage of the Titans. I don't have a question but an opinion on the bad run that the Titans have been on. 2021 was their greatest season by far and they should have had a Super Bowl trip that year. Like other teams they underestimated the Cincinnati Bengals. I think their downfall came after they traded Kevin Byard. That man had the most positive vibe and kept the morale up on the team and also in the locker room. He was always positive (even when they didn't play well). Things seem to have been all downhill since then. Just my opinion, but I think you would have to agree there has never been a more positive locker room than when he was there. Thanks for all you do.
Jim: I agree with you on the 2021 team – that team should've not only made it to the Super Bowl, but it should've won it. Remember, the Titans blew out the eventual champ (Rams) in the regular season that year. But that Titans team didn't lose because it underestimated the Bengals; it lost because of turnovers, and a poor performance from the offense. … And, don't get me wrong on this, because I'm a huge Kevin Byard fan. He's a great guy. But Byard's departure is not the reason the Titans have fallen flat over the last few years. It's bigger than that.
Ken Estes from Ogden, Utah
Question: Jim. Will you please ask Titans leadership to intentionally lose this next and last game against the Texans? If the Titans win, it will be short lived and meaningless, and they will undoubtedly lose the ability to draft one of the top two QBs in the upcoming NFL draft. Please give the fans something to be excited about - potentially drafting Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. If this nightmare season leads to the Titans selecting a potential franchise QB, then it was all worth it. There is no scenario where winning this last game provides more value than losing this last game. Even if the Titans land Sam Darnold in FA, they will still be better off losing this last game - they could potentially draft Travis Hunter with the 2nd pick, they could trade the pick for a boatload of riches. Please ask them to be smart, I beg you! Sincerely, a Titans fan hanging on by a thread.
Jim: I'll let the fellas know, Ken ...
Scott Spurlock from Leander, Texas
Question: Did anybody actually want The Titans to win that last game? or maybe even the upcoming game? Ya know , Not going to the super bowl so how about draft position for next year. Though I'm not sure the GM has what it takes to assemble a winning team. he seems to let really good players go so we can replace them with average players. And if any current player reads this and disagrees maybe next year that player will prove that he is something more than average. I know I'm not a fan of the team any more but I still have a kid and I still buy stuff.. And a Titans Jersey for my kids would seem like a bad joke. I'm in Texas and from Houston the Astros in baseball (and I hate Baseball) those guys win world series. The titans ??? well lets just say Average.. and let it go at that.
Jim: I got a lot of these in here, Scott. I get it, fans want a better draft pick. But I can tell you who wants to win: The players playing in the games. ... Don't get me started on the Astros*.
James Kaufmann from York, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey! Good afternoon Jim. I have a few questions and probably not a lot you haven't already heard this season. I hope you and the family had a great Christmas. First question is if Ran can't get improvement next season what about the possibility of trading for a proven GM. I would easily be willing to give up a number 2 pick for Howie Roseman in Philly. He made us look stupid in the AJ Brown trade. Also, if things don't shake out for Mike McCarthy in Dallas I think he's a very good coach that provides stability with a track record of winning football. I believe the intent to modernize our offense is a great idea. We have been a ground and pound team for decades and in the modern game we have to get away from that. One last question Jim. Tight ends have been a staple for our team for ages, why did we not try to get Jonnu Smith back when Miami got him for next to nothing? Could you imagine him and Chig together? That's all for now Jim have a great new year!
Jim: I admit this is a first: The suggestion that the Titans could trade Ran Carthon and a second-round pick for Howie Roseman. Forget about that being a possibility, James. … Based on the recent buzz, it's sounding to me like the Cowboys plan to keep McCarthy … Jonnu is under contract through next season with the Dolphins.
Happy New Year and have a great week everyone!
