NASHVILLE – We're into another week during what's been an unprecedented NFL offseason.
If all goes according to play, training camps will open in roughly a month from now.
Keep your fingers crossed as the world continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe.
And I hope you enjoy this Tuesday's Titans mailbag…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Danny Sutter from Tom's River, New Jersey
Question: Who on the Titans roster do you think will make a giant leap forward this season coming up?
Jim: Hey Danny. I'll pick one on offense (Jonnu Smith) and one on defense (Jeffery Simmons).
Bo P from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Quick question- My 11 & 8 yr old sons love training camp and getting to meet the players, autographs, etc. I'm guessing that won't happen this year will it? We are looking to plan a trip around that time & will dodge the end of July if necessary (yes they're obsessed haha). Just thought you might have some insight.
Jim: Hey Bo P. Well, I wouldn't bank on it. Nothing is official yet, of course. And what I'm about to say is just my opinion. But I can't see a training camp that's open to fans because of the pandemic, and with the coronavirus, autographs and pictures don't exactly go hand and hand with social distancing. Plus, the facility is under construction, so there's not space on the sideline by the main practice field during camp. Even without the virus, I'm not so sure practices at STSP would've been open to the public this year.
Eli Decko from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. So I went back and watched Corey Davis' games where he had 75 or more receiving yards and all games he scored in. Although those games are few, boy did he show he can dominate. And I think he will. He is so integral to blocking that people overlook him cuz he was 5th overall. Well, there is a fan favorite here in Pittsburgh who had he been picked 5th overall they would have been calling for his head and that is JUJU, who disappeared last year even when he was healthy. I see a lot of Eric Moulds in Corey Davis. And I know we got a sample of him during his short tenure here, but the dude was always reliable and never afraid to block. I mean Moulds paved the way in Buffalo for some huge games on the ground for the likes of Travis Henry and Others. With that being said, do you think the Titans value Corey Davis as much as they did on draft day, or more considering his inclination to block and his willingness to sacrifice to help those around him? Cuz I think Davis is a lifer as far as being a Titan.
Jim: Hey Eli. Good to hear from you again. I definitely think the team values Corey. I get the impression a lot of folks think the Titans are down on Corey because they didn't pick up his fifth-year option. That's not true -- I think that's reading too much into a business/financial decision. Paying him roughly $16 million for 2021 just didn't make sense. I still think there's a scenario where Corey stays with the team on a new deal after this year because he is so well regarded as an all-around player, and a good teammate and pro.
Jesse Haynie from Kossuth, Mississippi
Question: Hey Jim! How's it going? I was just curious if you have heard any updates on the Titan 5k? I love this event and have signed up for my 2nd this year. I'd hate for it not to happen but with so much going on these days it's not looking good. Thanks and as always #TitanUp!!!!
Jim: Hi Jesse. I checked on this for you on Monday. I was told no concrete updates at the moment. The team has a few dates in mind for later this year, but the city of Nashville isn't accepting permits for races right now. Stay tuned.
Jon Kerlikowske from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, read a comment regarding your book Tales From the Titans Sideline, so picked up a copy to read. Really enjoyed it, nice work. A couple of days ago saw a posting on new Titan's fan page on Facebook with your book as the focal point in a beach shot. Could your book be trending?! My question is: "What is your favorite historical book about the NFL?". Thanks and be safe.
Jon: Thanks Jon. Glad you enjoyed it! And glad to see it's still floating around. I wish I could give you a better answer here. I do so much writing, I hardly have time to read books. I will say "When Pride Still Mattered – a Life of Vince Lombardi" by David Marannis is on my list. I'd love some more suggestions.
Frank Thomas from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Here's a copy of a letter I sent to The Tennessean. Maybe you'll find it interesting:
It's all very confusing.
We see images of crowds on TV. We hear them described as peaceful protests. On other outlets, they are called vandalism or even riots. In one stark mixed message, I saw a reporter in front of an arsonist's fire, describing the peaceful protests around him.
Several years ago, we saw a football player kneeling through the national anthem, with attendant reports that it was about skepticism regarding the nobility of the American Experiment and disrespect for the American flag.
It is embedded in many people's minds that this shows a specific disdain for patriotic attitudes.
We now have a proposal among athletes and sports teams that we can kneel through the National Anthem while showing both patriotism and a sincere respect to improve the plight of the under- and poorly-served in our society.
Talk about mixed messages ... in spades. Most people with the patriotic motivation won't abandon what they consider a disrespectful act, regardless the rationalization.
We need to come up with a solution ... not a compromise ... that serves both ends. To be effective, a solution would need to be negotiated between the NFL and their players' union. If successful, other professional sports and universities would undoubtedly follow suit.
How about this:
At the playing of the national anthem, everyone who feels patriotic can stand. (Anyone without such feelings can remain seated.)
At the end of the anthem, EVERYONE (I can't see anyone dissenting) can take a knee to show our solidarity about societal injustice.
How POWERFUL would it be if EVERYONE on the field knelt together for the refrain — and SANG:
"... o'er the land of the FREE, and the home of the BRAVE!!!"
Mixed messages: gone.
Jim: Thanks, Frank. This can serve as your submission to "Letters to the Editor."
Joe Allen from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Thanks for all you do in keeping us informed. I hated to see Jurrell Casey go but understand the business of this sport. So, in saying this, if Roger Goodell wants to see fans in stadiums, he needs to rethink the stupidity of his statements with kneeling, etc. This is a sport, not a political rally. As a veteran, the NFL needs to show support for those who died for their right to play a game and live in the greatest country in the world! If he thinks he lost fans over the Kaepernick joke, he is in for a huge surprise this time! Just my honest opinion and Flame Suit On!
Jim: Hi Joe. Thanks for your service, and for sharing your opinion.
Paul Newman from Westport, Connecticut
Question: Hey Jim, do you see the Titans going out and getting a playmaker like Antonio Brown at WR before the season starts?
Jim: No. Now Dez Bryant, on the other hand... 😉
Wayne Dornan from Inglis, Florida
Question: My question is: I keep reading about players being signed, but what is happening with Derrick Henry? I don't understand why they haven't signed him yet.
Jim: Hey Wayne. Still a holding pattern with the Titans and Derrick. The two sides continue to talk. The team has until July 15th to sign him to a long-term deal, or he'll play the year on the franchise tag.
Ari Halberg from Johnson City, Tennessee
Question: I'm a diehard, bleeds two tone blue fan since the Music City Miracle! First off thank you for all you do to keep fans in the loop all year long! The mailbag never disappoints! I've got two things to ask or say. Just my two cents but the issue of kneeling for the National Anthem is a little too contentious. Our US Constitution provides us the right to peaceful "assembly" or protest, so I have NO problem with players, coaches, etc; kneeling during the National Anthem. If there's a problem in our country, it's our right to voice our concerns in a peaceful way.
Second, in your opinion does a long-term deal for Derrick Henry have anything to do with signing an edge rusher, most especially Clowney? Thanks again for always giving us, the fans a real sense of what's going on with our team! ,#TitanUp!!
Jim: Thanks, Ari, for sharing your thoughts. My thoughts on Henry: I honestly don't think his deal will have any bearing on the Clowney situation, or anyone else for that matter. It's just a matter of whether the two sides can agree on value, and what the deal would look like.
Scott Cardin from Portola, California
Question: Hey Jim. Thank you for keeping us all informed. How about this for an idea? When a player kneels during the national anthem, hold their hand over their heart. This can show respect for the flag AND bring attention to the social injustice problems that are so close to their heart. Win/Win....
Jim: Thanks for sharing this, Scott.
Lee Muncy from Hickory, North Carolina
Question: Praying for Josh Evans to squeeze more out of life and to continue to be that awesome father he has been to his kids. Thanks for bringing it to everyone's attention Mr Wyatt. If our generation could whip cancer the world would be a different place.
Jim: Thanks Lee. And Josh is appreciative of all the prayers. He texted me to share thanks on Monday. Here's the link to the story on Josh, who is battling cancer, I did for the website: CLICK HERE.
Have a great week everyone and stay safe!
