NASHVILLE – The NFL schedule is out, and rookie minicamp is now in the rear-view mirror.
Suddenly, it's starting to feel like football season.
Questions, meanwhile, continue to pour in.
Thanks for keeping it hopping in here.
Let's go …
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Marcus Stamps from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Has there been any talk from the team about putting Anthony Firkser in the slot? I know depth at TE is lacking, but he catches most balls thrown his way and has a knack for getting open. Seems like with his pass catching abilities we should try and get him on the field more often than in a rotational TE situation. Thanks.
Jim: Hey Marcus. This is a good question, and it's one that hasn't been asked publicly. Chances are, no one is going to want to say too much about it this soon. But Firkser is a strong option to work in the slot some in my mind, especially when you consider he played more snaps in the slot in 2020 than any returning player. Firkser logged 163 snaps in the slot last year, 52 more than Cameron Batson's 111. Firkser made 29 of his 39 receptions while in the slot, for 331 of his 387 yards. So, he's capable. The big question in my mind is whether more help will be added at tight end and receiver, which would give the team even more flexibility.
Allan Stewart from Brookings, Oregon
Question: First time I've written but been a Titan fan since they drafted my hero Marcus Mariota. Even though he is gone, he is not forgotten and I became a Titan fan because of him and what he did for the Ducks. Planning on attending the 10/24 game v. Kansas with some friends who are big Chiefs fans. I seem to recall several weeks ago you gave some locations in the area for fans to stay. Could you send them to me or repeat your response? I'm 79 years old, lived in Southern California all my life until we moved to Oregon 14 years ago. Followed the Rams, Chargers, Raiders, Trojans, Bruins and who ever else moved there and left. Now live on the Oregon Coast but not a Sea Hawk or 49er fan. Always get a big thumbs up wearing my #8 Titan jersey. Read your posts every day. Looking forward to a good game, good season and good time. Haven't been to Nashville in many years. Thank you and everyone stay safe!
Jim: Hey Allan. Good to hear from you. Man, my hometown is changing so much. The city has so many more options now than it did a year ago. I'd stay downtown, within walking distance of the stadium, restaurants and all the activity. Check out the Omni, the Westin, the JW Marriott, and the Hilton. There's a Renaissance, a Grand Hyatt, a Hyatt Place and a new Residence Inn and Spring Hill Suites. Right now, an Embassy Suites is being built. You can't go wrong at any of those, but I'll warn you – the prices are high. Nashville is one of the most expensive hotel cities in the country. You're going to be blown away with all the changes, including the new Fifth + Broadway complex, which includes a ton of new restaurants and shops, across from Bridgestone Arena. Be prepared for a lot of noise, from the bars to the pedal taverns. Downtown is a wild scene, but it's fun. I hope you have a great time. As for the Chiefs fans you'll be traveling with, tell them there's a nice place in Memphis that's walking distance to Nissan Stadium...
Marc Ritter from Oneida, New York
Question: Hello Jim. Long time Oilers/Titans fan here just on the fringe of Buffalo Bills country. One simple question: Imagine you're Jon Robinson for a day, what one move would you make to make this team better? As a writer covering them, what's one move would you make? I know that some fans are down on the Titans after the draft, but I still think they have the necessary pieces to be an AFC contender, but I do think they could use a little more help in the passing game. Thank you!
Jim: Hey Marc. Oh man, what an opportunity! In a three-team trade with the Rams and Cardinals, I'd ship Jeff Harding, Assistant Director, Digital Platforms for the Titans, to the Rams for Aaron Donald, and I'd send all my visors (except for my LA Dodgers one) to the Cardinals for DeAndre Hopkins and a case of pencils.
Steven Anacker from San Francisco, California
Question: Hi, Jim. Thanks for all your excellent coverage. I was wondering if you had any insights on why the Titans didn't make a push to retain D'Onta Foreman? I thought he looked fantastic in his limited opportunities with the Titans, consistently eeking out extra yards. I feel Henry, Evans, and Foreman would have made a flexible, formidable threesome.
Jim: Hey Steven. I liked D'Onta's contributions as well. I just think the team is focusing on Darrynton Evans right now as Derrick Henry's backup, while also hoping to look at some younger guys. And keep in mind Foreman was a late addition last year. Just because he's not on the roster right now doesn't mean he can't be added at a later date. It's early.
Ted Groce from Tampa, Florida
Question: I noticed that Briley Moore is not listed as one of the UDFA's on the team's roster page, Did he decide not to sign with the Titans after all?
Jim: Hey Ted. Briley is listed on the 'Printable Roster" section on the website, but it looks like none of the undrafted guys have been added to the 'Roster' page yet. I'm sure it will be updated soon. But Briley did sign with the team, and he took part in the rookie minicamp over the weekend. I've heard some good things about him, too.
Kevin Washington from Owings Mills, Maryland
Question: Are we going to have fans in the stands and if so what capacity?
Jim: The plan is full capacity. Let's hope it happens.
Lee Hillis from New Albany, Indiana
Question:
1. Do you think Dupree and Farley will play Week 1?
2.Do you think we can beat Arizona?
Jim:
1. The plan is yes on both. Let's hope it happens.
2. Yes.
William Barge from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, have really enjoyed following your coverage of the Titans over the years. I have a quick question that I would love to hear your thoughts on:
There is a lot of rumor/speculation regarding the Titans adding another WR even after the draft. It makes more sense to me to trade for a pass-catching TE such as an Ertz or Howard (granted their contracts may take some re-structuring), but you could get them for cheaper than trading for a big WR. This makes sense because of Anthony Firkser's strengths (similar to other TEs in the NFL in 2021): lining up as a flex TE, lining up in the slot etc.). I think Firkser really bailed us out when Humphries was hurt last year by playing in the slot and making some big plays from that position. The Titans loved to play with 3 TE sets last year, and given that Swaim is primarily a blocker, it seems like adding another pass catching TE and using Firkser as a double-duty TE (in 3 TE sets) and slot WR (in certain 4 WR sets) just fits nicely. This isn't as sexy as trading for a well-known WR to play second fiddle to AJ, but it makes more sense. What are your thoughts, and more specifically, how do you think the Titans will play to Firkser's strengths next year? Hope all is well and congrats on the new college grad. Titan up!
Jim: Good to hear from you William. Appreciate you reading.
We started with Firkser in here, and we're going to close out with him. I think your assessment is accurate. I think he's a good option, as I mentioned at the start, and as you pointed out as well. But I'd be lying if I said I was convinced the team is done adding weapons. My intention is not to create hype with this comment. But with that in my mind, I'm just uncertain how some things are shake out, and who might be in Ryan Tannehill's progressions when all is said and done. But for now, on May 18, I think Firkser is in line to do a lot more Firksering this fall.
Have a great week everyone!
