NASHVILLE – Hope everyone had a good and safe Memorial Day weekend.
We're now just a day away from June, and from another OTA – the Titans hit the field for OTA No.4 on Wednesday.
First, let's dive into another Titans mailbag and see what's on the minds of Titans fans.
Let's go…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE
Joshua Thomas from Hermitage, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I haven't seen much news on this, and wanted to hear from a direct source about Racey McMath. From what you've seen of him from OTAs, does he show signs of promise for potential playing time on offense, with his footwork and route running ability? The man's got the natural gifts to become the perfect vertical threat this team needs more of, and I'd rather we use the freed-up salary cap from cutting Julio to solidify our o-line with Ereck Flowers. TITAN UP!!!!!!
Jim: Hey Joshua. Racey has looked good to me in individual drills in the OTAs. His footwork appears to be better, and he looks even stronger. He's coming off an injury, however, which has put him in a yellow non-contact jersey on some days/drills. But let's tell it like it is here – the offseason hasn't been a problem for Racey. He was one of the team's training camp stars a year ago – remember, A.J. said he reminded him of Julio Jones after his impressive start. What Racey needs to do is stay consistent when the pads come on, and he needs to stay healthy. So he'll have to prove himself later.
David Buck from Germantown, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. How's the kicking game? Any changes/additions? Fine with what we had but just haven't seen or heard any news or updates. Thanks.
Jim: Hey David. Randy Bullock is the team's kicker. But Caleb Shudak, an undrafted free agent from Iowa, is also with the team now and he's looked good the two times I've seen him. Shudak was 7-of-8 on field goals, including makes of 34, 37, 41, 44, 48, 38 and 45 – his only miss from 53 – in the team's OTA last week. During a kicking period during the team's rookie camp, Shudak made 5-of-6 kicks, including boots of 33, 39, 44, 47, and 53 yards. He misfired on a kick from 55 yards. So, pretty solid overall. Did I mention he's wearing A.J. Brown's old number (11)? The Titans also signed punter Ryan Stonehouse, an undrafted free agent from Colorado State, and from what I've seen so far, he has a really strong leg.
Alberto Tenorio from Saltillo, Mexico
Question: Hello Jim, I'm a diehard Oilers/Titans fan since the early 90's. I've heard that the earliest to see throwback uniforms is the 2023 season, seeing the Titans with the Oilers uniforms would make us fans very happy. The Eagles and Bucs announced more than a month ago they will be wearing throwbacks, however the Titans have not made it official and I'm getting anxious. What is the latest update? Thanks!
Jim: Hey Alberto. I've hit on this several times this season, once after the owners meetings, with a quote from Amy Adams Strunk – CLICK HERE – and then again after the NFL Draft, following a conversation with former Oilers receiver Billy "White Shoes" Johnson – CLICK HERE. The year remains 2023, but you'll have to wait a little longer before things get solidified and it's official.
Jason Petty from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Jim, I hope all is well. I'll be short and to the point. Can you please update us on talks/ negotiations between our unsigned draft picks? I've searched for weeks now to find any info on talks between Titans and Willis & McCreary and have come up empty. Are they looking for certain guaranteed money? Specific language or terms to get more money? I do believe they're the only 2 yet to sign correct? Thanks again. Have a good week.
Jim: Hey Jason. I'll be short and to the point, too. I'm not the least bit concerned about the unsigned draft picks. Heck, these things used to drag into late July/August. It's not even June yet. Both of them will get signed, like the other seven draft picks.
Adam Finlan from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Hey is Adam I am a Down syndrome about super Bowl at Arizona this year Tennessee Titans going to underdogs
Jim: Let's do it, Adam!
Seth Fischer from Lynchburg, Virginia
Question: Hey Jim, I am really pumped about this season, with a rematch with the Bengals and the Bills and I was wondering which regular season games will be the hardest for the Titans to win? Thanks!
Jim: Hey Seth. Man, a lot of them are going to be tough. I'd have to say the primetime road games at Buffalo, Kansas City and Green Bay look the most daunting to me.
Harold Pillow from Myerstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hello Mr. Wyatt. Do you think the Titans will Pass more this year to spare Derrick Henry. And how is Derrick Henry Physical Health during OTAs.
Jim: Hey Harold. I think there will be a mix. A lot depends on how Derrick and the running game fare from week to week. I can't give you any info on Derrick's health. He's been working with his trainer in Dallas in recent weeks and from the workout videos I've seen, he hasn't been sitting on his couch eating Cheetos Puffs.
Jan van der Arend from Almere, The Netherlands
Question: Hello Jim. I feel proud now that through the IPP a Dutchman has joined the Tennessee Titans: TE Thomas Odukoya. I am very curious to learn how he is doing during training sessions because I know him as a very good blocker.
Thanks for your response, Jim.
Jim: Hi Jan. Thomas is a big boy! I've watched him a little bit, but it's so early, and his time to prove himself will be when the pads come on in training camp. Here's a story I wrote about him when he signed with the team ICYMI. CLICK HERE. And feel free to check back in August when camp is under way.
Andrew Hardaway from Birmingham, Alabama
Question: Hey Jim. I know there are a lot of important stories out there to respond to like #mentorgate and #inhalergate, but I was hoping you could take a little time to answer some important questions I have. A few months ago we got a video that went beneath the visor but I was hoping you would help me pull on this thread a little more.
The visor. First off, its a highly underrated piece of head gear and not every long time Titans beat reporter can rock it. I say if you got the locks let em get some Vitamin D and revitalize those keratinaceous curls. My questions are: 1) How many do you have in the rotation? 2) Preferred fabrics? and 3) What's your wash routine look like? Have any products you would recommend to keep the shine on them? Titan up.
Jim: Hey Andrew. These are some great questions! 😊
1. I probably have 6-7 in the rotation, including a pair of L.A. Dodgers visors (a blue one and a white one), a pair of Vandy visors (a white one and a black one), and three Titans visors (a white one, a navy blue one, and a red Titans Pro Bowl visor). I probably end up wearing my L.A. Dodgers ones the most.
2. Preferred fabric is Dri-FIT.
3. I actually wash them in the dishwasher. Gets them so clean you could eat a meal off of the bill!
A tip of the cap, um, visor, for this question.
Have a great week everyone!
