NASHVILLE – Welcome back … from the bye weekend.
The Titans returned to Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park on Monday after the bye weekend, and now have their sights set on the Indianapolis Colts.
It's a big game, for sure.
I know fans have a lot of questions after four games, so let's dive back in here again.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Lloyd Frizzell from Houston, Texas
Question: Jim, I am here to tell you that Will Levis is NOT the guy at the moment… but trust me I do think he COULD be "the guy".. just not right now. I know he has all the physical traits and arm talent to be "the guy" but he is clearly not ready… we all know it and he told all of America after he threw his 1st INT on MNF.
"I didn't see him at all." - Will Levis… C'mon now..
Mason Rudolph is ready to be our "guy" and if its only for this season then so be it. He showed us that Monday night, and also proved that he can win last year with the Steelers.
Lets review 1 of the Steelers victories last year at the end of the season. They went on the road to face a very competitive Seattle team and Mason went 18/24 for 270 yds. He didnt throw any TDs BUT… he also didnt have a single turnover. He might not have WON the game for them but he didnt LOSE it either.
Ultimately the Steelers won that game by leaning into their 2 RBs, making 3 field goals and playing better than average defense… sound familiar?!? We clearly have two STUDS at RB, a very reliable kicker and our defense is capable of being above average.
Lets ran the damn ball and let our O-Line play to their strength (run blocking) and allow Mason to manage the game like he can. Defense will get their fair share of turnovers and have the talent to keep us in any game we play. Like the good ol' Vrabel days…. Remember??
Wouldn't you rather watch Mason go out there and be smart with the football than continue to see Levis make unforced errors week after week??
The Panthers just benched the #1 overall pick after his abysmal start to this year.. If they can bench him and let a veteran go compete then why can't we bench our 2nd round pick and make him learn from the sidelines??
Pleaseeee tell me I make a valid point, Jim.
Thanks for all you do for the fans. TITAN UP.
Jim: I appreciate you sharing your opinion, Lloyd. I agree I think the team is capable of winning games with Mason Rudolph. I thought that before the Monday night game vs the Dolphins, based on what I'd seen from him in his playing days in Pittsburgh, and in training camp this year. And, I think you're right in your assessment that we don't know if Will Levis can be the guy moving forward. So, that's what this season is also going to be about. Brian Callahan has said this on a few occasions. I always thought there would be some growing pains as Levis tried to find his way in the NFL. The question now is: Will he settle in, and prove he can do the job? We're four games into this season, and 13 games into his NFL career. We'll find out eventually, but the team is not pulling the plug now.
Braulio Cardenas Cantu from Saltillo, Mexico
Question: Hi Jim, I hope you and yours are doing well. Thank you very much for your frankness in answering all the concerns of the great Titan family.
It's been a while since I last wrote, and I would like to share my thoughts on the topic that most of us are concerned about looking to the future: Will Levis.
He is definitely an athlete with great skills, from what we read about him, he is a person who works hard in training, prepares himself and is intelligent. He has areas of opportunity, nobody is perfect, such as his aim and especially his impulsiveness in making decisions.
I remember when Derrick Henry first came to the team, he didn't have the explosiveness or determination that we all later saw and admired, but I also remember that Henry's hesitant start changed after a talk with the great Eddie George.
I wonder if someone like Warren Moon could have a similar impact on Levis.
What do you think?
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Braulio. I think it's a good thought. I think Will could learn from a bunch of guys who came before him. Warren was actually at the game when Will made his NFL debut last year, because it was homecoming weekend. He'd definitely be a great resource for Will, or any young QB. I think ultimately, though, Will simply needs to play more, and learn from his mistakes.
Sean Kelley from Smyrna, Delaware
Question: Hi Jim.
Update on Levis Meter after 4 Games (Goal to get to + 8)
vs Bears -1
vs Jets -1
vs Packers -1
vs Miami +0.5
Current: -2.5
Now I gave him +0.5 in Miami because the gritty play which he got hurt on.
Then showing an understanding that sitting was best for the team.
Didn't pout, was a teammate. Watching MR is also good for him too.
Seeing MR have a Defense read with 5 seconds left on play clock makes the Offense run smoother, compared to WL last second hurry to get snap.
The Titans since 1999 have proved having 2 QB starters is key to a winning season.
Finally the league can ding WL on social media and talking heads with his turnovers.
However watching the play of rookie QB's to Super Bowl Winning MVP QB's, there sure are a lot of boneheaded QB plays going around this year.
I saw multiple gaffes by veterans that cost and should have cost them wins.
WL has played 12 NFL games with epically terrible pass protection.
Until that improves, we won't have a clear picture of his development.
Jim: Thanks for the update, Sean.
Richard Robles from Springfield, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, Nice practice for the Tennessee Titans, Now it's time to get serious, I would rather trade Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to the Las Vegas Raiders and Ryan Stonehouse to the New York Giants and acquire Davante Adams from the Raiders and Jamie Gillan from the Giants. Hi Jim, As trade deadline approaches, the Titans need to acquire a QB that Brian Callahan actually trusts like Joe Burrow or Derek Carr or Matthew Stafford in order for the Tennessee Titans to win games. That must be the only way to have a QB that Brian Callahan to trust in order for the Tennessee Titans to win games! Plus there's also more work. After the bye week, We must focus on beating the Colts after the bye week!
Jim: You got one thing right, Richard: The Titans need to focus on beating the Colts.
Robert Andrews from Levittown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. Few questions and observations. (Vs Miami) I feel the Oline protected the QB more. Now the oline does need more work. With the trade deadline less then a month away do you think the titans will be in the market to upgrade the line at all? Also with Levis still expecting to be the starter. Do you feel the titans are letting Levis play the entire season even if he keeps losing just to see what he is capable of? Also rumors of Dhop and Spears being shopped I know they are just rumors but if one were to be traded who would you personally trade?
Jim: Hey Robert. One thing I've learned with his group is not to be surprised by anything. With that said, I'm not necessarily expecting any big moves, and I shake my head at some of these rumors.
Gabe Jones from Hendersonville, Tennessee
Question: I need to have some hope in the Titans, is there anything I should always be watching for to give me hope in my team?
Jim: More games. We'll find out in the coming weeks whether there's reason for hope. At 1-3, I'm not going to sit here and make any promises. This team has already blown two games it could've definitely won and it's time to get better and win more games.
Eric Koehler from Las Vegas, Nevada
Question: I'm still pulling for Levis to improve but if he doesn't, do you think there's any way we would be interested in Hendon Hooker? I can't imagine we would have to give up much and he was very accurate in college.
Jim: It's time to move on from this question.
Aaron Long from Rochester, New York
Question: First time question, long time reader. Thanks for what you do. I understand that it will take some time for Will Levis to develop, but what is a reasonable timeframe? When does his rookie contract expire? It would be frustrating as a Titans fan to see him eventually develop into a good quarterback only to have him leave in free agency for a ridiculous contract somewhere else. What do you believe is a reasonable "timeframe" for fans and the team to remain in "wait and see" mode.
Jim: I think we'll have a pretty good idea on this by the end of this season, as long as he stays healthy and is able to play.
Have a great week everyone!
