NASHVILLE – The preseason is over, and the regular season is up next.
But first, the Titans need to make a bunch of roster cuts before Tuesday's 3 p.m. deadline.
I'm sure you've heard by now long-time punter Brett Kern was released on Monday.
Check this website later today for all the moves.
In the meantime, let's get going on this Tuesday's mailbag.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Roger Piccirillo from Bridgeport, Connecticut
Question: Hey Jim. Just wanted to say how sorry I am to see Brett Kern get released. He has been a great player for the Titans over the last 13 seasons and an even better teammate and person, although I understand why the kid has a big leg and they will save 2.2 million. Time will tell if they made the right decision -- you never know how someone will perform when the lights come on saying that I hope the kid has a long career ahead him. … In a couple of days there will be a lot of veterans on the open market, I expect the team to bring in some tackle help, maybe a db and yes a veteran quarterback to back up RT and if they don't and they make Malik the backup you're not doing him any favors if he has to play due to an injury to RT it will hurt his development because he's just not ready! And I think they know that. Let's go win a championship, Titan up. Thanks for the platform.
Jim: Hey Roger. Brett had a heck of a run here for sure. He's a great punter, and a great guy, with a great family. I've never shared this in here, but Brett and I were neighbors for years when he first moved to Nashville. He lived directly across the street, and we used to catch up on the Cul-de-sac. I was with The Tennessean when he first moved in. When he found out a reporter lived across the street, I think he was a little apprehensive. But we became friends. He eventually moved into a new, bigger house several years ago (when he got a bigger contract 😊). But I remember his kids when they were babies, and he was a great neighbor! I'll definitely miss seeing him around the facility, and I know I won't be the only one. And you're right, he was also a great teammate. Time will tell how this decision goes, but Brett said himself Ryan Stonehouse is a special talent. The kid has an incredible leg. … As for the rest of the roster, let's just say it's going to be an interesting few days.
Brett Heard from Antioch, Tennessee
Question: No question, I would just like to say thank you to Brett Kern. He has been an incredible pro in his time here in Tennessee and he will be missed. His talent has kept the defense in many games when the offence had trouble moving the ball. That's all, just wanted to say thank you to an all-time great Titan!
Jim: Appreciate you taking the time for Brett, Brett.
Darryl Decker from Montgomery, Texas
Question: What is your take on the QB situation now that the preseason is over. Titans will rack up plenty of wins in the regular season to make the playoffs. But my worry is the playoffs. Not sure if being a run team and trusting Tannehill to do just enough is going to get you a Super Bowl win. Especially against potentially Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, Jackson or Wilson in the AFC playoffs. Malik offers a great dynamic with his legs. Something else for defenses to be concerned about. Any thought of the Titans easing Malik in as the starter during the first half of the season?
Jim: My take on the QB situation: Ryan Tannehill is the team's starter, and there are no plans to ease Malik in to replace him.
Bob Leonardi from Luzerne, Pennsylvania
Question: What's with none of our starters playing in the preseason? I know they aren't going to play the whole game but at least let them play a series or 2 to get rid of the rust. Look what happened last year in our opener with Arizona. We got demolished the King Henry gets hurt because he was still rusty. I hope it's not dejavu all over again
Jim: Hey Bob. I'm not among those who think the starters need to play in the preseason, even if for a few series to "knock off the rust." With the new schedule – and the regular season beginning two weeks after the end of the preseason – new rust would form even if guys played a little bit. Personally, I just don't think it's worth the injury risk to play guys in the preseason. I also understand this is one of those deals that's easy to second-guess. If the Titans look bad in Week One, folks will say it's because they should've played some in the preseason. If they come out on fire, I doubt folks will say they looked fresh because they were well rested. And, let's be honest, the Titans didn't lose the opener to the Cardinals last year because the starters didn't play in the preseason. There were much bigger issues that day than guys being a little rusty.
Jimmy Dee from Battle Ground, Washington
Question: Jim, I'm actually getting worried about Ryan Tannehill behind that OL, especially considering the softness at the LG position. I read some months ago where Jon Robinson talked about how gutsy Ryan Tannehill is, how he'll stand in the pocket in the face of heavy pressure, and do his job. This is the reason why he needs good protection - because he will stand there and take it. And that's what mgmnt wants him to do so mgmnt should make sure he has enough protection to protect him from as much injury as you can.
Jim: Hey Jimmy Dee. Keep in kind the offensive line you've seen in the preseason won't look like the one you'll see in Week 1. With that said, it's fair to question whether the starting five will be good enough. We're going to find out pretty soon.
Barbara Cubert from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Question: First off thanks for all the time you answer questions for our Titans fans!!! I know it is a hard job to keep some of the Titan fans. Some are very rude and cruel in the things they say about the coaches and players! This is the first year I have thought that the Competition is not quite as fair as the other years. The media kept saying Woodside has gotten upset over them drafting Willis? I really don't think drafting Willis upset Logan. I think not getting his fair share of reps and playing time would be the most upsetting? What do you think? I will say one thing: I have been a Logan Woodside fan, so proud of him, but never as much when he was embraced by his team coming off the field from the winning touchdown. He is loved and respected in that locker room. Touchdowns are great, but that respect tells me they know what I know. Such a special kid!.
Jim: Thanks for the email, Barbara. I feel like I need to set the record straight here: Logan Woodside was never upset about the team drafting Malik Willis. In fact, he's gone above and beyond to help him. The two have a great relationship, and Logan has been a great teammate who has handled himself like a pro since he first walked in the door. And, you're right, his teammates have a lot of respect for him.
Peter Palmer from Miramar, Florida
Question: Good Day Jim and all Oilers / Titans Nation!
Do you believe Ryan should have played at least one drive in our final preseason game to see where his head is at. I certainly think they should have played him. My reasoning for that is the last 2 seasons his stats stunk up the place. I believe it was important to see where his head is at.
Jim: Hey Peter. I touched on this a little earlier. No, I don't think Ryan playing one drive in the preseason would make a difference. He got a lot of work in joint practices with the Buccaneers and Cardinals, working against their starters. Him playing in the preseason against another team's back-ups wouldn't prove anything.
Carol Thomas from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: I watched the last preseason game and I was not initially impressed with the way our defense was allowing the Cardinal's quarterback to move the ball down the field without the kind of physical challenge that is a hallmark of our defense. Eventually, they seemed to settle in but it was not like watching Simmons, Landry and Byard out there. Treylon looked confident. Who do you think is going to be able to start that Tannehill is comfortable throwing to when Derrick is not running with the ball? Kudos to Malik. From the first pre-season game to this last one, you could actually see much improvement. I am cautiously optimistic about our Offensive Line. I hope our O line will do a better job this year of protecting Tannehill and not allow him to be sacked so many times. This is one fan who is eagerly looking forward to our first regular game and the 2022 season. TitanUp!!
Jim: Hi Carol. The defense that suited up Saturday won't resemble the one that trots out there on September 11. As for the receivers, veterans Robert Woods and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will be out there, and the others, Kyle Philips and Treylon Burks in particular, will continue to build the trust they've started developing in practices.
Caleb Parris from Cookeville, Tennessee
Question: With NPF winning the RT job do you see Radunz being the starting LG or backup LG to take over Brewer if he struggles?
Jim: I think Aaron Brewer earned the starting left guard spot, while Radunz earned a back-up spot, at least for now. And, in case you missed it, the team traded for Panthers lineman Dennis Daley on Monday night, and he's going to factor in somewhere.
Mickey Whitson from Rossville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Hoping everything is good with you. I have really a comment about a couple of your questions Saturday. Not going to say any names, but both were about Malik. One guy wanted to trade him and another made it about race. To me , Malik is the future, he came from a small school with a very simplistic offense. I hope that he is not rushed into playing, give him a year, or 2 if needed to learn this offense like They did with McNair. To many young QBs are thrown to the lions so to speak and never recover. Give the young man a chance.
Jim: Hey Mickey. The plan is to give Malik time – that was the thought process the moment he was picked. We'll just have to wait and see how long off in the future that ends up being.
Omar Parker from Bay Area, California
Question: Hope all is well with you and yours. Well...opening day is almost here. Last time I wrote I spoke about the WRs and how we have a chance to field a better unit than last year. I still think it's a possibility but after watching the preseason games and seeing reports from practice we could definitely use at least one veteran. Maybe Will Fuller?
My real comment/question is the OL, however. If they aren't successful it'll be hard for anyone on the offense to be. We HAVE to do something at RT. Let rookie NPF develop and sign/trade for a solid end. Otherwise this could be a disappointing season with a strong defense and an offense who can't score. I'm supporting the team regardless, but the fans and team deserve the best product they can put out. What are your thoughts? As always, thanks Jim!
Jim: Good to hear from you again, Omar. My thoughts are we'll see a lot of things come into focus in the coming days and weeks. And, I know the head coach and the general manager aren't just going to wing it, cross their fingers, and hope for the best. They'll work to put the best product on the field as possible, exploring every possibility. Monday night's traded offered further proof of this. We'll all have to wait and see how it all works out. Keep in mind things might not be completely settled with the roster today, tomorrow or even this week, either.
Have a great week everyone!
