NASHVILLE – Welcome to Bengals week.
And, welcome to Thanksgiving week.
The Titans have rearranged their practice schedule this week to fit around the holiday, with their sights set on Sunday's game at Nissan Stadium.
Let's see what everyone wants to discuss in this Tuesday's mailbag as the team returns to practice …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Reuben Alvear from San Francisco
Question: Hi Jim. Thanks again for all of your Titans coverage. That was a great 'W' on TNF. The offense was the most efficient and fluid it has been all season. Tannehill's body language from the opening drive was that of a confident guy who was in command. All night long Tannehill threw darts that gorgeously hit his receivers in stride.
The prior 6 games it was the Titans D controlling the games' flow and tempo. So, v GB it was good to see the offense take the reigns with the flow and tempo, and give the defense a bit of a break.
Jim: Hey Reuben. No doubt about it. I thought Ryan played really well, too, and the extra time off this weekend should help him moving forward as well. Need to keep it going.
Bill Caldwell from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Afternoon Jim, appreciate the tenacity of the Titans. Coaches emphasize no excuses, we're all professionals and are expected to perform at a high level. Next man works because it's a built in part of the team's fabric. As a result many of our players are proving to be great additions. There is no question that when Bud Dupree is in the gang he's a solid addition. The concern is he has been injured so much. His next men up have played extremely well. As a result the team may consider moving on from Bud next year, save some money for needed contract extensions. It is a business. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Jim: Hey Bill. We'll see what happens with Bud in the future – the rest of this season, and beyond. You said it – the Titans are better with Bud. The focus now is to get him healthy and have him help the rest of the way.
Terry Anderson from Edmonton, Kentucky
Question: Hello Jim hope all is well. What a great overall team effort Thursday in Green Bay! Then the story breaks that our OC was arrested for possibly being under the influence of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. I have myself been affected by a drunk driver in the great state of Tennessee. My accident involving the drunk driver took the life of my friend and I was injured severely. It was back 2015. Wrong way driver on I 65. The choice to drink and drive was very poor and should have consequences. I'm sure the choice will have consequences. Legally it's up the laws of Tennessee and the laws are black and white so he will be punished by the law. Jim he should be held accountable for his decision to drive drunk. How does the team set precedent for this behavior? Do they suspend him or fire him?
Jim: Hi Terry. Sorry for your loss. I know everyone takes what happened very seriously. As for what the team will do, that's not for me to say.
Coach Vrabel addressed Todd Downing's DUI charge on Friday, and here's a bit of what he said:
"I have spoken to Todd, and I have spoken to (Amy Adams Strunk), and (GM) Jon (Robinson) and I have been in communication with her, and with the league," Vrabel said. "The league has policies with regard to these incidents, and we'll make sure that the league has all the information that they need."
Vrabel said he couldn't answer specific questions about the incident or potential punishment "out of respect to the legal process, and the process that the league has."
"I will say, however, that we all have a great responsibility as members of this community, and as coaches and players of this organization, as fathers and husbands and teammates, to make great decisions," said Vrabel, "and we understand that.
"… It's something that we are going to take very seriously. We are going to gather all the information that we can, figure out what the next step is, and do our best to move forward."
Frank Stevens from Appleton, Wisconsin
Question: Treylon Burks had an awesome breakout game against the Packers. Something special about him that really caught my attention. With the completion and YAC was 51 yards and down about the 4-yard line. Before he jumped up to celebrate, he was making sure that the Packer that tackled him was ok. Now that was impressive and should be noted.
Jim: Hey Frank. I remember the catch, but our interpretation of what happened immediately afterward, I admit, is a little different. 😊
Travis Hayman from Spencerville, Indiana (by way of Cheatham Co.)
Question: It was good to finally get to talk to (you) at the Packers game. My boys and I were in the North end zone, kind of on the Packers side before the game when we talked with you. My boys were asking who the guy you were standing with before you spoke with us, younger guy wearing a sport coat and colorful original Jordan's? I thought maybe he was a national reporter but didn't recognize him? Do you remember?
Jim: Hey Travis. It was great to talk to you as well! I was talking to Turron Davenport from ESPN. He's always the sharpest guy on the sideline! I always tell "T.D." he's a tough guy to walk alongside because everyone is always complimenting him for his dapper wardrobe and shoes, and it makes me feel very unstylish!
Brian Weber from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim, can you give us an update on Harold Landry on how is rehab is going and whether or not he could be available if the Titans are able to make the playoffs. Probably a long shot but, great addition if he can make it back. Thank you and have a Wonderful Holiday Season!
Jim: Good to hear from you, Brian. Harold's rehab is going well, but don't get your hopes up – he's not playing again until the 2023 season.
Roslyn Kinchen from Sturtevant, Wisconsin
Question: I am from Nashville but live in the Milwaukee area now and was at Lambeau Field Thursday night for Titans-Packers. Great to see all the Titan blue in the stadium that night AND a couple of guys wearing Titan jerseys with cheese graters on their heads! Ryan Tannehill's body language and presence was the best I've seen this season. What do you think drove that? Thanks!
Jim: Hi Roslyn. Reuben mentioned this as well. I think Ryan feeling a little healthier certain helped his performance, and body language/presence. Having guys around him make plays helped as well.
Franky Markle from Dyersburg, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim. How nice was a stress free Sunday? I personally enjoyed and I hope you did as well. I realize this week is not a revenge game, but I'd really like to win. Plus it's a AFC team. What's your thoughts? Thanksgiving is here and now the cream of the NFL starts to rise. I think our D can take us all the way! Thanks and TitanUp
Jim: Hey Franky. Same. Would be nice to win. But it's one of seven games left. Just need to win as many as possible.
Aaron Quarles from Cape Coral, Florida
Question: Hey Jim, I'm not sure if you can or how much info you can give on this question but when it comes to arguing with refs during the game how far are players/coaches allowed to go? I know Vrabel seemed upset when he didn't get the timeout he wanted at the end of the first quarter and I've seen tape of him and Lewan (after the game) yelling pretty aggressively at refs. Are refs usually pretty good at letting coaches get their frustrations out without penalizing them? I think all fans would be happy with just a little more accountability from officials.
Jim: I'm sure every official has his/her own line that can't be crossed. I think the officials try and show some restraint, but it's probably not a good idea to berate them and cuss them out.
Marquis Wilson from Baltimore, Maryland
Question: I'm start of saying I love our team and the way we played Thursday night prime time football but is the injury we keep having going impact the team up and coming game we got some tuff games ahead I really want can our Titans team still show that Tennessee tuff style football.
Jim: Need to get healthy for sure, Marquis.
Have a great week everyone!
