NASHVILLE – The Titans are back in win column.
The team's 20-17 overtime win over the Patriots was a welcome sight for most Titans fans.
Now, the challenge is to win back-to-back games for the first time since November of 2022.
Let's dive into the latest Titans mailbag to check the pulse.
Spoiler alert: Not everyone is happy.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Question: Well Jim, a win is a win. The team needed this one. Being a young head coach showed Sunday. I am sure Callahan will go into a more aggressive HC as time goes one. After 24 years in the Navy, we never deployed to scare our adversary, deployed to win. When Chestnut ran down to the 3 yard line at the end of the 3rd QTR, Callahan decided to kick the field goal, at that point he was trying not to lose the game. You're at home, why not go for it and get the TD? Play to win. Again, I know he is a young HC and hopefully those will be easy calls the more he embraces the role. Just my 3 cents. Hope you have a great and we will see you next week here is SoCal!!! As always, TITAN UP!!!!
Jim: Hey Jeremy. I actually thought taking the points was the right call there. I said it to my press box neighbor Gentry Estes of The Tennessean at the time. I didn't like how the team played things at the end of the first half, however, when it pretty much gave up on trying to get three points after the hold, and delay of game. Coach Brian Callahan on Monday explained his thought process on that one. I bet Patriots fans are upset with their head coach – I was shocked they didn't go for 2, and the win – after their TD at the end of regulation.
Steven Bagley from Oceanside, California
Question: I just finished reading the post-game interview with Mason Rudolph and my question is this: isn't it time to put this quarterback drama to bed? What else does Rudolph need to do to convince the Titans that he is the starter we have been waiting for? He has the poise, maturity and resume of a winning starting quarterback that the Titans need now and for the future. Let's get over the Levis mistake and start a winning dynasty. MR is a winner.
Jim: Hey Steven. I like Mason, too, but you're going to be disappointed if you're thinking this is going to happen. The team is going to go back to Will Levis when he's healthy, and I'm thinking that will be this Sunday. The team has to find out whether Levis can be the guy or not, and there's no sense kicking the can further down the road. Based on what we've seen so far, Mason is the better QB at this point. But this year was always going to be about developing Levis and finding out about his future. He just hasn't played enough to know for sure one way or the other.
Neil Carr from Bingley, United Kingdom
Question: Hi Jim. Well we finally managed a 2nd win which is at least something to cheer about BUT talk about doing it the hard way. I guess looking at the positives, Pollard looked immense, we finally intercepted a QB again, the D looked strong again and most importantly we dug in and kept going when previously we hadn't, and that was great to see.
That said, it was the Patriots (an equally ugly team) and we still only managed 20 pts despite being able to run at will over them. I think this team lacks explosive offensive plays to get fans off their seats and excite them (other than the clever play that led to the pass to Chig). I love my Titans but they are a bit boring to watch at times. How do we become a more exciting team? I recall that game against the Falcons last year where we aired it a number of times...now that's exciting!!!
If we are going to have a losing season (which we are), can we go down trying to excite a bit more? I'm not saying launch it 50 yards every other play but let's add some trickery, deep balls a bit more often...you never know, they may pay off from time to time. It will certainly get the fans out of their seats. Cheers.
Jim: Hey Neil. I hear ya, but I thought the team had a nice mix on offense on Sunday, with 240 passing yards, and 167 rushing yards. Rudolph threw the ball 33 times. The INT in the end zone took seven points off the board, and the drive stalling at the three wiped out another potential TD scoring opportunity. And, think about this: Part of the reason the Titans have been better in pass protection lately is because they've had success in the running game with Tony Pollard. When you line up and chuck it every play, the QB is going to get hit more, and there will be more sacks. We saw that earlier this season. The Titans need to find a balance, even if it's "boring" at times.
Joseph Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: Dang that W felt good! Winning at home is always extra special.
I have to admit though, I am pretty devastated by Cushenberry's Achilles injury though. I thought he was playing very well for us and I hate to see him have to deal with such a major injury.
First question, what do you think the interior looks like without Cush? I have to imagine Daniel Brunskill gets a lot more playing time, among others moving forward.
Secondly, I was hoping this weekend might be our homecoming weekend but it appeared not to be the case. Do you know which weekend we plan to bring our foundational guys back to town? I love catching up with guys like Karl Klug, Jurrell Casey, Delanie, Eddie, etc. It's easily one of my favorite weekends of the year. Thanks Jim!
Jim: Hey Joe. Hope all is well. Cushenberry was solid in the middle, so it's a pretty big loss.
The plan is for Daniel Brunskill to take over at center, as long as Dillon Radunz is back at right guard after missing the Patriots game with a foot injury. If Radunz isn't healthy enough to go, Corey Levin will start at center and Brunskill will remain at right guard. As for homecoming weekend, not sure it's happening as a full-fledged event this year.
Donley Canary from Raymore, Missouri
Question: Hi Jim. Kansas City Chiefs fans would sure like to extend a "big" thank you to the mismanaged Tennessee Titans organization for sending them DeAndre Hopkins. Probably guaranteed them another Super Bowl appearance and win. Gave up my Titans season tickets after 26 seasons because just could stand the incompetence in the front office and coaching staff currently employed by the Titans. If Mike Vrabel had been given the tools that dumb butt Callahan has, we would be near the top of the conference. Just a true shame what has happened the Titans organization. THEY SUCK and have no chance to get better. Coach starts crying after winning a game. WOW!!! Pitiful. Good luck in losersville, Jim. I won't be back!! Good riddance to a crummy team and organization. Keep wallowing in losses!!!
Jim: I knew I'd get some of these after last night. I've said this before and I'll say it again: I think DeAndre Hopkins was done with the Titans, even if he's not done with Nashville. The Titans got a fair deal for him. As for Vrabel, it's convenient for "fans" like you to forget his teams lost 18 of their last 24 games. Mike did a solid job after taking over a playoff team, but the franchise was going in the wrong direction under his watch. Callahan was hired to clean up the mess. Eight games in, he obviously still has a lot of work to do. It's been a rough start, but I can guarantee you he's not going to quit, unlike you. I'll consider this your final submission.
Rao Arnold from Arlington, Virginia
Question: Hi Jim, thanks for doing these mailbags. Finally, a week where the 'still faithful' fans (I typed it, I must mean it) can celebrate a victory and parse out improved play in a sustained effort for a change. More observations. Gotta say, the Pollard signing is bearing fruition. Is TP King Henry, no. But we're not missing King Henry like I thought we would. TP can function without a road-grading full back, run WR routes, and is surprisingly good at pass blocking when picking up a blitz. The left side of that O-line looks like it could be solid for the next 3-4 years. A true bummer losing Cushenberry. Hopefully, the Titans and The Flying Callahans can plug someone in that can keep the continuity of the line moving forward. Leroy Watson IV seemed to have been the answer this week at RT. I believe there was only one to three plays where he was overmatched and either had a penalty or gave up a sack. Did Burks see the field at all? I don't remember him being targeted at all during the game. It wouldn't surprise me if he were traded later this afternoon. I would love to see Martin-Robinson elevated from the practice squad. I see him as a better version of Chig who I also think might be moved. While the broadcast team was extolling the virtues of Chig on MR's goal-line pick putting all of the blame at Rudolph's feet, I'm sorry, you get two hands on the ball. You've got to come down with it. Not pop it up in the air for a pick. It's not like MR can lollipop the ball in there. Tight windows. He has to throw a heater. The defense which has been carrying the mail all year long played really well. Gonna be sad to see some of the rumored names go: Landry III, Key, and Joseph-Day. Gibbens and Murray where huge! Mike Brown came in and filled in admirably for Diggs. The young CBs held up for the most part, but the Patriots don't have any WRs that scare you. Henry at TE was a problem. And Mayes running. Did the defense not assign a spy after Maye's first few forays from the pocket? I'm just really happy for the guys in that locker room. This game is hard enough on the body, mind, and soul. Even harder when you're going through a trying season like this one. However, if Colt Anderson is brought in to the Head Coaches office and given his walking papers it would not be the worse thing in the world. Kick coverage is on him. You've had four-five games (including a bye week) to fix it. Nothing catastrophic happened, but there were a few 'edge off your seats' moments with our not so 'Special' Teams. Time to see what happens at 3pm EDT. Who's coming, who's going.
Jim: Hello Rao. Thanks for taking the time. I guess you missed the Burks injury from last month – he's on Injured Reserve. … I'd like to see Martin-Robinson, too. … We'll see if the Titans are involved in any more trades…
Reuben Alvear from San Francisco, California
Question: Hi Jim. With the Titans having a challenging and tough season it'd be easy to complain, gripe and be negative, as many supposed Titan supporters are already doing. Yet, I won't.
In Sunday's win Tennessee: ran the ball well, protected the QB better, recorded four sacks, won the turnover battle, played complementary football and Calvin Ridley made some big-time catches in important moments.
I find it ridiculous that some "fans" want Tennessee to lose more games so that they can draft another QB in 2025. The goal should always be to win. And this season I hope the Titans win as many of their remaining games, as possible.
Another thing I hope for is that people stop making hateful remarks about Will Levis. It is appalling, disgusting and embarrassing that supposed Titan fans are on social media making gleeful statements about Levis being hurt so that #8 is no longer in the starting lineup. How about supporting our guys instead of wishing harm and malice upon them??
Jim: Hey Reuben. I hear ya. I'll never understand how fans can root for their team to lose, especially in early November. And, as much as I hate to admit it, social media, X or Twitter in particular, has turned into a bit of a cesspool. Incredibly negative, reactionary stuff.
Bob Luciano from Huntersville, North Carolina
Question: Hi Jim. Longtime Oilers/Titans fan and always will be. I write a couple of times a year and you are kind enough to respond sometimes. Last year I inquired about Stonehouse outkicking the coverage and Vrabel didn't think it was a problem. This year it seems to be the same problem. I began my question with this to give myself some credibility. I love my team and see flaws that need to be fixed so we can succeed. I want your thoughts on this... Callahan is too conservative minded. People have their personalities and it is hard to change. Two examples late in the game against the Patriots stand out. We have the ball with a chance to close out the game. Callahan predictably runs 3 times to burn New England's timeouts then we punt the ball back to the Patriots. Any simple play action pass on any of those downs results in a first down and the game ends. Likewise on the last play in regulation, we rush only 3 lineman and give New England all day to throw. Be aggressive and rush 5 and make him make a quick decision and rush a throw or panic. Being aggressive is a mentality, we need it as a coaching philosophy.
Jim: Good to hear from you again, Bob. He was perhaps conservative on Sunday, but I don't think that's necessarily been the case all season. Remember the Bills game? He went for it on 4th and short in his own territory, in the third quarter. He was soundly criticized for that after it didn't work. As for Stonehouse, believe me, Vrabel never hesitated to criticize him. I get Stoney needs to be better with hang time, but he's far from being the only problem in punt coverage.
Roy Wright from Smyrna, Tennessee
Question: Colton Dowell was a pretty good Gunner last year for special teams until he was injured . Is Colten possible up for return to help special teams.
Jim: Hey Roy. Colton is still recovering/rehabbing from his ACL injury from last year, and the subsequent surgery in January. I don't think we'll see him until next offseason.
Richard Robles from Springfield, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. What a win, Now we have to focus on getting a win at Week 10. Mason Rudolph did massive great plays. I think we should start Mason Rudolph at Week 10 and hopefully win at Week 10. We must focus on Week 10 and win the next game. Titan Up!
Jim: It was good to win, Richard. When Will is healthy, he'll return to the lineup.
Have a great week everyone!
