NASHVILLE – We've made it into July.
The July 4th holiday is now just days away.
The clock is ticking toward training camp.
Here's a quick Titans mailbag as we count the days...
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
JB Jones from Houston, Texas
Question: Hi Jim. Hope your summer is going well, I kept waiting for you to pop up on Instagram with Will and the guys down in Cabo, I guess your invite got lost in the mail! But seriously, I think it's pretty cool that they are down there developing some chemistry, I think it'll only help a team that's basically coming together on the fly.
My question for you is simple: I know you don't do predictions, but what do you think would constitute a "successful" season for the Titans in 2024? I don't think playoffs are out of the question, but considering a new coach, first time QB and a lot of new faces the win/loss total may not end up where we all want it. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Jim: Hey JB. Heck, I was under the impression we were all meeting up at Cabo's Mexican Restaurant (just south of Nashville). I thought they'd stood me up. 😊
But I agree, it's cool to see the group gather together to work. Will talked about holding a "bonding session" during the break, so this was it.
A successful season for the Titans is making the playoffs, and having a chance to go from there. After back-to-back seasons of 7-10 and 6-11 seasons, I don't think anyone would be happy with anything less, especially after some aggressive moves in free agency.
Ben Hill from Liverpool, United Kingdom
Question: Jim! Writing all the way from the UK! Hope all is well in Nashville! Here is my question: is it ok to truly dislike Mike Florio? In ranking the Titans the 27th team in the league, he wrote:
"It's still weird that they fired Mike Vrabel." Why is it weird when Mike Vrabel went 6-20 something the last two years? Does Vrabel have incriminating pictures of Florio or something? And I saw an interview when the Titans hired Coach Callahan where Florio said it was wrong of Coach Callahan to wear a suit at his introductory press conference! Something about keeping it real or some nonsense like that. Yet, when Florio interviewed Coach Callahan, Florio was nothing but complimentary. Florio is a two-faced know nothing, and I hope that Coach Callahan reminds him of all of this when the Titans are in the playoffs this year. Let's go!
Jim: Good to hear from you, Ben!
I know Mike probably rubs some people the wrong way, but I actually like him. I've seen him around at different league events, and I sat by him in the press box at a Super Bowl many years ago. He's actually a nice chap.
Ed Helinski from Auburn, New York
Question: Hey Jim. Hope all is well with your summer. How are you feeling about the Titans having a Week 5 bye? Might it be too soon or just about right this season?
Jim: Good to hear from you again, Ed. I'll be honest: I wish the bye week felt later in the season, and I think most everyone else around here agrees. But there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Dan Hanson from Fargo, North Dakota
Question: I was looking at the 2024 matchups and the Titans could potentially be playing 9 games against starting QB's in their first or second season. Do you think that in todays NFL its an advantage for the defense to be playing against young QBs....or has the pendulum swung and the athleticism of these QBs is making up for that lack of experience? Hopefully Wilson's new defensive scheme is able to take advantage and it leads to more turnovers and big years for the guys on the defensive side. Having what looks like a lockdown secondary on paper sure won't hurt either!!
Jim: Good scouting work, Dan. No doubt it's an advantage, especially early in the season. With that said, I've seen some rookie QBs dice up past Titans secondaries. Week One in Chicago, the Bears won't know what to expect from this year's Tennessee's defense, but it also works both ways – the Titans aren't exactly sure what to expect from Caleb Williams and the Bears.
Jim Williams from Lubbock, Texas
Question: Hi Jim. Ryan Stonehouse may not be ready for the start of the season. Ty Zentner will be the punter if Stoney can't go. Will the Titans bring any free agent punters into camp to compete with Zentner for the job? Thanks Jim.
Jim: Hey Jim. Well, I've watched Tyler all offseason and he's shown improvement. I think the Titans are optimistic that Ryan will be ready for the season, but we'll have to wait and see. A lot of hurdles still need to be cleared. Until then, Ty will have a chance to convince the decision makers he can handle the job until Ryan is ready. This falls in the TBD category.
Testing from San Francisco, California
Question: 1.
Jim: It worked!
Have a great week everyone! Happy 4th!
