NASHVILLE – It's finally game week.
Kickoff to the 2024 regular season for the Titans is Sunday, in Chicago against the Bears.
By this time next week, we'll get a lot more answers about this team.
But for now, this mailbag will have to do…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Alberto Quinn from Hendersonville, Tennessee
Question: This may be the most important question you've ever been asked.
Earth has made contact with aliens and NASA has decided that it's important for the aliens to meet some iconic athletes from every team in the NFL, and you are put in charge of deciding which player from the Titans you would send to make first contact. This player can be past or present. But they will be representing what it means to be a Titan to the universe. Who are you selecting and why?
Jim: I've never received a question like this before, Alberto.
I'll say Eddie George. The guy exemplifies toughness – he never missed a game during his eight-year playing career with the Titans – and class. He's been a great ambassador for the franchise, and the city of Nashville. And, no alien is going to want to mess with him.
Buck Amodei from Smartsville, California
Question: Hi Jim. I have two questions. First, what do you think of the veteran starters in exchange for a late round pick deals? There are sure a lot of them going both ways this year. As we lack quality roster depth, these sure have helped to expedite what started out as a full rebuild into what resembles a legit team. Our ILB situation in particular looked really bleak but poof! … trading back a rd. 5 pick in 2026 to a rd. 6 pick and we are all good to go. It also helped us get something for two players who probably weren't part of the long term plan here. I'm liking this bit of roster jockeying at the last minute. What's your thoughts on this more common occurrence around the NFL in recent years vs. the usual roster cuts and waiver claims only? My next question has to do with my usual dig on the offensive line… that dates back to when Mike Mularkey was our head coach. The offensive line coach has to be the most underrated piece on an NFL roster that either makes that team great or makes them suck. Q…. can you name me one offensive lineman in the league now (any team) that if added, could have a bigger impact than what one great OL coach can contribute? How much does Pops count against the salary cap? Ha! You couldn't add one great Tackle and be better than where we are without a coaching change. For the record, I was and continue to be a big fan of what Munchak did here as OL coach. My GoFundMe comment didn't consider Pops Callahan because he was gainfully employed by the Browns then, but yes, he and Munchak are probably about equal. Our offensive scheme last year asked way too many guys to stay home and pass protect. We couldn't block a 4 man rush with our 5 OL. Therefore we used too many 2 or 3 man routes and it made life easy on opposing DCs. If our 5 can block their 4, things are gonna look different. The left side of our OL is expected to be solid. Keep an eye on the right side as a measuring stick of how coaching changes things.
Jim: Hey Buck. Well, if we're talking about the acquisition of Ernest Jones, I'm all for it. But every situation is different. This sounded like a win-win-win for the Titans, the Rams, and Jones. All three got something out of it. As for Bill Callahan, he's a great coach. I expect him to make good players even better. But it's too early to celebrate like everything is now fixed. There's still a lot that remains to be seen. Guys are going to have to step up and perform well, starting against a good Bears pass rush to start the season.
Jason Petty from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I'm sure this won't be seen until Tuesdays mailbag. Which means we're only 5 days away from OPENING DAY!😁 As a fan of Football I also watch "Hard- Knocks" (Chicago Bears) this season, and in my opinion your coverage of our Titans during OTA's, Training camp, & Preseason is just as entertaining and informative. Even your "X" video clips. Do you think the Titans (Any team) for that matter, has staff that uses that as a tool to try and get insight into their opponent? Especially the opening day opponent? I know it's vanilla schemes, and more about following rookies, udfa's, and veterans trying to make the cut. But couldn't it show small things such as Caleb Williams preferred "safety net "player/ play call, or any small details that could help in the Titans favor? It's probably a little too goofy a thought, but my inquisitive mind just has to know. Thanks for all your hard work. You don't have the big team NFL FILMS has to produce your work, but it's just as good. #TitanUp #JW-HardKnocks
Jim: Hey Jason. You're right – you made the Tuesday mailbag! Appreciate you following on Twitter – I do my best, working alongside some other good ones on the beat. As for scouting opponents, I'm sure teams try to get any edge they can get on an opponent. Around here, we're only shooting stretch, individual periods and 1 on 1s, nothing in 7on7 or team drills that could potentially give something away. Hard Knocks is definitely more revealing, but I'm sure the Bears have been somewhat careful about what they've shown when the cameras are rolling. With all that said, I'm betting some folks around here have been paying attention.
Jack Walker from Calabasas, California
Question: Hey Jim, was watching the Jelly Roll video performing for the guys and it made me wonder. All of our players are way too young to have direct memory of the Music City Miracle or "a yard short". So those two episodes define the team spirit, to an extent... Are those things included in any kind of an "orientation" video for the new guys, to get to know the team and town better? We'll talk regular season football next time I write in, Jim!
Jim: Hey Jack. Good question. Mike Keith actually did a Titans History 101 with the rookies earlier this year, during a minicamp. It was a 29 minute, 50 second talk that provided all the high points of the franchise from 1960 until now. It's available online if you'd like to see it for yourself, on the team's YouTube page. And, it was part of the most-viewed OTP's to date. Here's the history lesson below if you want to watch:
Jimmy Brewer from Texarkana, Texas
Question: Hello Jim my question is who will the team have as a (big) back in those games of cold and bad weather along with short yardage situations now that No 22 is no longer in Nashville, do you think that Ran is looking at that?
Jim: Hey Jimmy. The answer is the team plans to use both backs – Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears – whether it's sunny, raining, or snowing. Like the Post Office, the team hopes they deliver every day, including Sundays.
Rodolfo Vazquez from Mexico City, Mexico
Question: Hola Jim, una vez m s saludandote, esperando est s bien.
Leyendo tus comentarios y apreciaciones del campo de entrenamiento, que notas diferente a lo que se hac a a os anteriores, me queda claro que el coach Callahan es de otro estilo de juego, pero en tu opini n que es diferente. Y otra pregunta, crees realmente que el equipo pueda estar con r cord ganador al final de la temporada
Muchas por tus atenciones
Jim: Gracias Rodolfo. Mucho sobre el entrenador Callahan, desde su ofensiva hasta su comportamiento. La sensación dentro del edificio es diferente y esperemos que los resultados en el campo sean diferentes. En cuanto a récords, sí creo que este equipo podría tener un récord ganador.
Richard Robles from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Hi! You see, Hopefully the Titans will get to the right track of the 2024 NFL Season this time. Hope the season will be a huge success. Thanks, Titan Up!
Jim: We'll find out in five days, Richard!
Have a great weekend everyone!
