NASHVILLE – The Titans aren't scheduled to practice on Thursday.
So, it's a good time to knock out a mailbag, right?
Seven practices in, we've seen some good things – and some so-so things – so far in training camp. It's early, and there's still a lot of work to be done.
Let's discuss some of it here in a special Thursday edition of the mailbag…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Jacob Miller from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Which players have stood out the most so far in training camp?
Jim: Well, Jacob, I'll give you handful. Receiver A.J. Brown has been the most impactful player on offense so far, and probably the entire team. I notice him every day. He's looked fantastic. A lot of the receivers have been consistently making plays, from Marcus Johnson to Chester Rogers to Racey McMath. Keep in mind guys like Julio Jones and Josh Reynolds haven't practiced much. I think running back Darrynton Evans has looked good with Derrick Henry being limited so far. Defensively, a lot of the guys in the secondary have stood out. Safety Amani Hooker (2), cornerback Jackrabbit Jenkins (2) and cornerback Breon Borders (2) all have multiple interceptions. I've noticed Kristian Fulton a lot more. Big defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons and Teair Tart have made a big impact in practices. Jayon Brown is always around the ball. I've really liked what I've seen from outside backer John Simon, too. I could list more, but those are just some guys who come to mind.
Ensley Lucas from Ogden, Utah
Question: What is a realistic prediction for Julio Jones this upcoming season?
Jim: Not sure if you're talking games played, or stats here. I know his absence the last few days of practice has generated some buzz. I'll just say he's going to help the offense plenty.
Justin Spears from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: Have you seen Ryan Tannehill complete or try any no-look passes in practice?
Jim: He's been looking on all the passes I've seen him throw…
Josh Bomar from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: I've been logging on to Titans online every day for as long as I can remember. In all those years, I can't remember not seeing a Saturday and Tuesday mailbag. What gives?
Jim: Hey Josh! Well, the crazy training camp schedule sometimes derails plans – and creates an opportunity for Thursday mailbags! Don't worry -- the Tuesday and Saturday mailbags aren't going away, but I may bounce around on these mailbag days during camp.
Henry Martin from Kingsville, Texas
Question: Hello from Kingsville, TX. I don't have a question, just need some clarification. So, I recently retired from the Navy (23 yrs) and my wife and daughter decided to get me a retirement/father's day gift. After seeing the rookie and free agents select their numbers that was released on May 13th they decided to get me a Caleb Farley jersey (#23). Once I received it, I didn't think much of it, I was like this guy selected the number that matches my total years of service in the military. I was sooooo happy!!! I was even more happy when the Titans activated him off the NFI list. However, my daughter showed me a photo of him rocking a #3 jersey during his debut on the team website and was disappointed. They probably should have waited, anyways, just need some clarification if #3 will be his official number. We are trying to see if we can send it back in exchange it for his correct number since they originally advertised it as #23. They just recently changed it to #3 when I checked but we'll see. As a fan, this is probably one of the most frustrating things when dealing with team apparel. Anyways, love reading your post and keeping us fans up-to-date. GO TITANS!!! #TITANUP
Jim: Hi Henry. First off, thank you for your service. Your suspicions are correct -- Caleb's official number is now 3. This had been in the works for a while, but didn't become official until Caleb was cleared to practice, and he took the field. Hopefully something can be worked out and you can get it in the 3. Either way, that's a great gift, and it could be a collector's item one day! Thanks for reading.
Tom Clancy from Baltimore, Maryland
Question: Do you expect Caleb Farley to play any in the preseason?
Jim: Hey Tom. Well, for starters, I don't expect to see him play in the preseason opener in Atlanta next Friday. And I'm not sure if we'll see him in Tampa either. That's just me thinking – not what anyone has told me. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel hasn't given any indication on what the plan is, but I know they're being cautious with him, and won't rush him back into heavy contact. On the first two days in pads, he's been limited. The preseason finale is on August 28 – more than three weeks from today. So perhaps then? This is very much TBD.
Joe White from Kingsport, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, First time asking a question. I've been reading and enjoying your work for several years and have been a Titans fan since they came to Tennessee. My question is should fans been concerned about the fact that 2 free agents we signed to help the defense have retired rather than play for the Titans this season. Something about that makes me nervous. The offense should he great and we are all hoping for the D to step up. These retirements seem odd. Your thoughts?
Jim: Hey Joe. You're referring to defensive back Kevin Johnson and defensive lineman Abry Jones, of course. Johnson retired in June, and Jones retired last month. These guys didn't retire because "they didn't want to play for the Titans." They retired because they didn't want to play football any more. And the reality is both guys would've had a hard time making the 53-man roster.
Anthony Hamm from Atlanta, Georgia
Question: Do you feel comfortable having our linebackers coach elevated to defensive coordinator seeing how poorly the defense played? And with the lackluster pick ups on defense and inexperience players what's your confidence in this team? I love what you do keep up the great work!!!!
Jim: Thanks for the email. I like Shane Bowen, and I think he's a good coach. And I'm sure not pinning all the problems from a year ago on him. As for the lackluster pick-ups on defense, I think the team added some quality players – Bud Dupree, Denico Autry, Janoris Jenkins, Caleb Farley, Elijah Molden, etc. I mentioned Simon early, and think he was a good get, too.
Adrian Lopes from Caracas
Question: Hola Jim espero esté todo bien, gracias por mantenernos informados durante toda la temporada baja, pero ya me urge un poco de NFL y de los Titans mis preguntas: una dirigida a comparar la actual lista de titanes con la del año pasado crees que es mejor la de 2021? Y la otra en tu opinión Henry puede mantener la carga de trabajo o se debe regular para los play offs en caso de llegar?
Jim: Hola Adrian. No tengo ninguna duda de que la lista de esta temporada es mejor que la de la temporada pasada, en ambos lados de la pelota. Solo mencioné a algunos de los nuevos muchachos en defensa. A la ofensiva, Julio Jones y Josh Reynolds también serán creadores de juego. En cuanto a Derrick Henry, el equipo está observando su carga de trabajo en el campamento. Durante la temporada seguirá siendo un caballo de batalla, pero sospecho que Darrynton Evans también le dará algunos descansos. Qué tengas un lindo día.
William Spencer from Tucson, Arizona
Question: Does Logan Woodside have better than a 50-50 chance of making the team out of training camp? No one seems to talk about him, but the Titans seem to trust him more than the public or press does.
Jim: Hey William. Logan has much better than a 50-50 chance of making the team. I'll be surprised if he's not Ryan Tannehill's back-up. He's been good in camp, and he did a good job as the No.2 in practices last season. And let's face it: No one talks much about the back-up quarterback.
Jimmy Dee from Battle Ground, Washington
Question: Dear Jim. I wonder what would happen if Amani Hooker has a great season in 2021????? Could he be traded to another team for a 2nd round pick so the Titans can recover the 2nd round pick they used to acquire Julio Jones? Keep in mind that Elijah Molden could probably replace Hooker at safety after the 2021 season.
Jim: Hey Jimmy Dee. The Titans drafted Amani Hooker to play for the Titans. If he has a great season in 2021, he'll be playing for the Titans in 2022.
JW Austin from Bethpage, Tennessee
Question: Dear Jim. I am desperate so please try to help. I'm a disabled veteran with diabetes and neuropathy in my lower legs and feet. My daughter is getting married Saturday August 7th. And I can not find a pair of black dress shoes anywhere because of the size and intense swelling in both feet. I'm about a size 15 maybe 14 with extremely wide width of EE or more if possible. My desperation leads me to you and my beloved Titans because I believe someone I might have a pair of large black shoes they might be willing to loan me just to wear to her wedding. I do NOT want anyone to give me money because I can NOT find any shoes. I do NOT want anyone to give me a pair of shoes. I only want to borrow or even rent a pair of black dress shoes I can get my feet into so I don't looked like an idiot in suit wearing old white ragged tennis shoes or sliders. I just want someone to loan or rent me a pair if at all possible. I hate to bother you or my beloved Titans at the beginning of training camp and much work to be done. But I am at my wits end if I can't go to my daughter's wedding. Thank you very much for any help that you may could find me. God Bless you all and I sure am hoping for a Super Bowl this season. TITAN UP !!!
You can reach me at jwhelp@nctc.com or call if need 615-888-4357. If no answer, please leave a message and I will get back to you asap. Thanks again.
Jim: Hi JW. I'm going to leave this here and maybe someone who sees it can help. We've had some good deeds develop from other Titans fans reading this mailbag. Good luck on the wedding – and finding someone who will let you use a pair of size 14 or 15 shoes. Take care.
Have a great Thursday everyone!
