NASHVILLE – The Titans return to action on Sunday at Nissan Stadium against the Packers.
Two games in, the Titans are sitting at 0-2.
No, it's not where anyone wants to be right now, especially when you consider this team is just a few plays away from being 2-0.
In this weekend's Titans mailbag, we'll discuss what's happened in the past, and what's ahead.
Plenty of you just wanted to share your thoughts.
Let's open another mailbag and see where it goes…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Russell Sicard Lockport, Illinois
Question: Hey Jim. I keep reminding myself of two rookie NFL quarterbacks that were summarily booed by their home fans. They were called busts and had people calling for them to be benched. Interceptions, fumbles and poor decisions plagued these guys in their first years in the league. Their teams stuck with them. Coaches coached them and they improved. We know them as John Elway and Peyton Manning. I'm not saying Levis is comparable to these two guys. But it's awfully early to be calling for his head. Dan Pastorini was the QB when I became a fan so I've experienced the heartbreak of rooting for this team for decades.
Jim: Hey Russell. Let me tell you another one: Steve McNair.
McNair was loudly booed at Nissan Stadium – then named Adelphia Coliseum – in the home opener in 1999. Many fans wanted the back-up, Neil O'Donnell, to take his place. A lot of folks were done with McNair at that point. That was McNair's 46th career game, and 39th career start. McNair, as we all know, eventually settled in as an NFL quarterback, and he became a fan favorite. Yes, Will Levis has made some mistakes early on, but he's still young. He's started just 11 NFL games, nine on a bad team in 2023. Time will tell if his career eventually takes off, but it's too early to know. If the Titans would have given up on McNair at the start of the 1999 season, who knows what might've happened?
Jabbar Lewis from Hendersonville, Tennessee
Question: Quick question around uniforms. I've noticed that the Titans have worn the Titans Blue more at home so far this year including Preseason games than years pass. With Ms. Amy having final say over uniforms, could we possibly be transitioning the Titans Blue as the Home uniform as another way to honor the Oiler tradition? Personally like the Titans Blue and feel the Navy should move to alternate/throwback stage if and when Titans get that alternate white helmet.
Jim: It sure seems like AAS likes the light blue, huh? We haven't seen the end of the navy blues, Jabbar, I promise. But you'll see the light blues again on Sunday, and at least once more this season, not counting the Oilers throwbacks.
Sean Kelley from Smyrna, Delaware
Question: Hi Jim. Crazy start to season. D looks good. OL and QB play need to improve. ST (not sure I can process this yet)
I am honing my Will Levis success meter for 2024 Season as it's the most critical decision Titans have on their 2024 plate.
- 1 = bad QB
+ 1 = good QB
+.5 = QB did not win/lose game
Right now I have Levis at a -2
- figure needs to be at a +8 to be the guy moving forward.
Yes I know this is pointless exercise but some might say rooting for a franchise since 1978 to win Super Bowl could be considered just as pointless. But I do it anyways.
All the best
PS… really pulling for Will to have a huge breakout game Sunday!
Jim: This is an interesting system, Sean. I'll drop this in here so other fans can play along, too, if they'd like.
Allan Stewart from Brookings, Oregon
Question: Jim, I need some help. My Titan Flag was waving proudly and brightly at the start of the preseason. Now it's beginning to fade, droop and I I'm afraid that it will be at Half Staff before too long. Please send me a couple of wins to bring it back to life and its glory. I have a wager with a buddy regarding the Houston Texans and the Titans and I would hate to lose. TITAN UP~
Jim: I hope you didn't bet on the win totals for the two teams – I predicted myself the Texans would win 12 or 13 games this season. That's going to be tough to top.
Cheyenne Brigance from Arlington, Texas
Question: I have a request for all of the arm chair quarterback coaches in the mail bag, go back and watch the first two or three seasons of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills! We fans are going through growing pains at the moment and hopefully Levis will grow out of them! Thank you for all of the coverage you bring us. Have a good week and TITAN UP!!!
Jim: Thanks for weighing in Cheyenne. No doubt Josh Allen stressed some Bills fans out early in his career. Heck, he still does (he's been the QB on my fantasy team the past two seasons btw).
Neil Carr from Bingley, United Kingdom
Question: Hi Jim. I've been stewing over the past 2 games. At times we have looked good and at times we have looked bad. Levis has looked good at times but has also looked poor!
Having said all that, is it all on Levis? The two botched shovel passes were (to a degree as he could have just held onto the ball) but is it his fault we have no running game? Is his fault WRs don't come down with catchable passes? Is it his fault that Simmons (an experienced leader) gives away a bonehead penalty that leads directly to points? Is it his fault the special teams unit cannot prevent the punter being blocked? Is it his fault the coach calls short passes on 2nd and 3rd and long? Is it his fault the right side of the offensive line cannot protect him which leads to forced plays? The answer to all these is NO!
Don't get me wrong...he is not blameless in all this but the guy is young, still learning and cannot improve if he is on the bench watching a career backup take over the helm at QB. Levis needs a minimum of 8 games to find his feet and gel with the offense. People seem to think that we have the next Patrick Mahomes waiting in the wings ready to take over. We don't...so right now let him learn, let him develop, let him persevere and let him lead the team. We were never making the playoffs this year anyway so why make the change at QB so soon.
It's as if some fans actually thought we were superbowl material and Levis is spoiling that dream. Wake up dudes!!!!! Cheers Jim
Jim: Cheers Neil.
Jonathan Wright from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, England
Question: Just thought I throw my thoughts into the hat after the first two games. Yes, Levis has made two big mistakes in the two games, but did nobody see Tua make an almost identical flip to the D for Miami without a massive blow up everywhere? As for the interception, I don't believe Levis calls the plays, it's up to the play caller not to put him in that position surely, but hey Burks should probably have come down with it anyway. My problem with the two games so far is that we've seen both opponents make in game adjustments, Chicago for the second half, the Jets from the second quarter. Our coaching staff still (year after year - even with a compete change) doesn't seem to be able to adapt in game, they have to be able to change up when the other team does, otherwise what are they being paid for.
Hey, those are my thoughts anyway. Hopefully we can change things around quickly, so that we're still relevant for my annual trip to see my Titans. It's Buffalo this year, I sure can pick them, going to be tricky to improve on my 3-12 record, but there's always hope, otherwise why are we fans.
Jim: See ya in Buffalo Jonathan!
Scott Spurlock from Leander, Texas
Question: Hey there Jim, I see a lot of Belly achin fans. I'm about to be 62 yrs young and was born in Houston. Tell those guys in Tennessee to get used to it. This team has been like this as long as I can remember. I retired from work this year and I retired from being a fan of the team. I opted to pay to watch Football for another year, But not as a Titan fan, More just a fan of the game. And so far it has been a Blast. I see things differently now. and enjoy the game more. I spend my time now being a full time House Husband and father to my 5 yr old Autistic son. Yeah I don't think he's gonna play football or care who wins or loses. But were gonna be fine. Life is good. Let me know when the team wins a game or does something worth watching. Sorry being a negative Nancy there for a minute.. no really I hope the Coaches figure it out and get it turned around. But if not well I'm used to it. Too many years wasted hoping this team would win it all. and not enough spent just enjoying the game. Life itself is really is just a game that should be enjoyed each and every play. Heck I don't make millions if those guys win or lose. So I guess the ones making the Millions will figure it out. or they won't make Millions for very long. Take care Jim my best to you and your family .. I know Family is more important than any old game or Job. Retirement really is a good thing.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Scott. Enjoy the weekend with your son.
Aaron Osborne from Hendersonville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! I was thinking about the titans these past two games and was curious if you agreed with a couple of the takes i had on our team's performance. Regarding Will, I think he needs to be given more time to develop in a new offense and should be given a bit more slack than the media likes to give him. He played a limited amount of games his rookie year and had to change to a new offense this season. This makes me question why we give him such a hard time when people expect elite play out of a man who hasn't even played 17 regular season nfl games. He just needs time to grow. Peyton Manning had a disastrous first season but look how he turned out. Thanks for reading😁
Jim: I agree with this take, Aaron. This season was always going to be about finding out if Will Levis could be the guy moving forward, and it's impossible to know this after just two games. With that said, it would be nice to win along the way. These last two games have been brutal losses.
Beau Siddens from Covington, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim. I'm so glad the season is here! The guys can't seem to get one in the W column, but sure put up a fight. I am focused on the good and there's a lot of it!
I have a couple of questions.
1. I'm a fan of Martin-Robinson. He put up a great camp/preseason. What makes him inactive?
2. I see Levis as a very competitive player, trying to make plays. Coach Bill B. said it best, "If you make the play....what will it gain?" Cally told Levis "You are one of 11 players out there, just do your part." That's pretty good advise. If he continues to make poor decisions and not listen to the coaches, how many games is the threshold, before the coaches are forced to make a change?
Thank you for time. We appreciate you.
Jim:
1-Numbers game with Martin-Robinson. The team is taking advantage of the experience of Vannett, Okonkwo and Whyle.
2-I can't imagine coaches would bench Levis this early in the season, in part because of what I just told Aaron.
Neil McGeehan from Derry, Ireland
Question: Ah Jim. All the preseason hope has just gone. Where does Levis go from here? Cannot question his heart or his effort but to make the same dumb mistake 2 weeks running is just unforgiveable! You have to learn from mistakes as a pro athlete, he hasnt & i fear he never will.
Jim: We're getting questions from all over the globe this weekend! Good to hear from you again, Neil. Levis will be at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, and from there, to Miami, vs the Dolphins next Monday night…
Raymond Farrar from St. Louis, Missouri
Question: Hello, J.W. ! I know that Will Levis hasn't had the best start of the season, to put it mildly. So I'm going to ask: Is it time to consider Mason Rudolph? Now I know all the blame shouldn't be placed on Will. After all, he doesn't play Special Teams. But, as the most important position on the field, should it be a thought in the back of Coach Callahan's mind?
Jim: I like Mason Rudolph. Heck, he probably had a better training camp than Levis. But it's too early to pull the plug on Levis in my opinion.
Arleen Neisz from Estero, Florida
Question: I'm with the fanbase, i'm frustrated, but can we please remember that Levis doesn't even have a full season under his belt! Yes, he will make mistakes, but I can't name a single QB who hasn't made a mistake no matter how costly it was. Jordan Love struggled at first too and he turned out pretty good. Give the kid time, we'll be alright! TITAN UP!
Jim: I've noticed there's a pretty good mix of Levis love and hate in this mailbag.
TD Johnson from Louisville, Kentucky
Question: Hey Jim. This is my first time writing into the mailbag. I'm a lifelong Titans fan from Kentucky. I am also a UK Football season ticket holder, so for 2 years I was able to watch Will Levis play in person 17 times. I believed in him when he was drafted and I still do today. One of the pieces of QB development that doesn't get talked about much is the commitment to the craft when no one is watching. From all the reports during his time at UK and with the Titans, it's apparent that Levis is not going to be outworked by anyone. If he can get the Superman plays out of his mind, I think he is going to be a talented quarterback that can thrive in a Callahan offense.
A couple more thoughts - I am glad Callahan said what was caught on camera. I know Will Levis can handle blunt criticism from his head coach. What a lot of people didn't see was the second clip, where Callahan (still mad, justifiably so) told him, "you're better than that!". That was a positive message being delivered in anger and disappointment, and that was good to see, too. Finally, everyone asking about benching Will needs to understand that he has had 11 starts in the NFL. There has been an unfortunate trend of "win now" that has consumed the NFL, leading to stunted development for young quarterbacks and teams losing patience because they're trying to capture lightning in a bottle during a rookie contract window. I believe in Will, I trust Ran and Callahan, and I'm excited to see the team's journey as the season progresses. Thanks.
Jim: Another one backing Levis. Thanks for weighing in, TD.
Josh Harper from Billings, Montana
Question: Hey Jim. Thank you for all you do and thanks for letting me rant after week 2. Now that I'm calm, I will say that I was out of bounds on Will, and I'm sorry for that. However my overall view of issues seem pretty inline with the overall consensus.
I feel I need to explain my reaction. I've been a hard-core Titans fanatic since the Memphis days. I, as well as many others, have experienced some real disappointing seasons as well as some exciting and fun seasons. I have and always will bleed two tone blue and will always stand by the team. I am always disappointed by a loss and only get angry when we give games away like we did.
That being said, I would like to spin this in a positive direction. I really think Ran and Cally can be successful. On paper, we have a lot of talent with coaches and players. I think they just need to figure a few things out and tweek a little here and there.
Unlike others, I don't think Will should be benched. He really has a lot of positive qualities and talent. He, like many other young players, has some things to work on. I did agree with Brian that he showed improvement.
O-line has some good downs and some not so good, but I believe they will continue to improve.
Defense has had some impressive series and they will continue to gel.
I believe Cally will absolutely help fix the SP. He is obviously not happy with the performance.
I think I, and many other emotionally invested fanatics out there just need to have a little patience. After all, almost everything is new this year and it will take time. Let's go fellas! Titan up!
Jim: All is forgiven, Josh. 😊 You were pretty harsh on Tuesday 😬…
Dan O'Hara from San Antonio, Texas
Question: Starting Rudolph does not end the Levis era. It gives him more time to learn. 'Going down with the ship' doesn't have to happen.
Jim: Time to learn and then restart next year? Not sure about this, Dan. He needs to play, and give the team a chance to truly evaluate him.
Jose Rodriguez from Alsmogordo, New Mexico
Question: There is a saying in Spanish that the leading horse has not won if the trailing horses can run. I believe our team can run. Positive we can run. Keep the faith.
Jim: Giddy Up, Jose!
Ed Tabor from Huntsville, Alabama
Question: Hello Jim. First time writer and I would like to rant. Walking out of Nissan Stadium every time we lose the opponent's fans are very obnoxious and our product on the field must put an end to this behavior. Things don't look good at the moment. I think the players on special teams should start paying fines for what is going on, or should I say, not going on. Will Levis has had 11 starts with 13 turnovers, don't you think it is Rudolph time?
Jim: Hey Ed. I understand your frustration. I'd be ticked off about having to hear from obnoxious Jets fans, and others, too. The only way to keep this from happening is for the Titans to shut them up. It hasn't been happening enough. Not sure the NFLPA would allow fines to be put in for missed assignments, mistakes, but I appreciate the thought. Me saying it's not Rudolph time doesn't mean I don't think he could do it – I've been very impressed with him. I just think it's too early to pull the plug on Levis.
McKeeg Russell from Elkhart, Texas
Question: Hey there, Jim. Thanks for all you do! So, I can't be the only one who's really not that mad at Levis for this latest miscue. YES he absolutely HAS to clean up his game and protect the ball better. But unlike the blindly throwing it away in the Bears game, he was really close to making this a play. He makes that toss, Spears picks up positive yards and everyone celebrates it as a Mahomes-esque play.. I can hear it now "Oh the awareness of knowing where his guy was and turning a loss into a gain". The point is, I think he's got some of that Favre gunslinger mentality and I am not mad at it. Again, he has to improve in protecting the ball and consistency, but I like the aggressive play, do we not remember watching McNair turn nothing into something and cheering when if it hadn't worked out we would have cussed him? Point is, there are a lot of fixable issues on offense and ST that can be pointed to as reasons we have lost winnable games, and I think it has to start with HC down. Callahan is also new and I am fine giving him time, but let's not act like he's been perfect in game planning, play calling and game management either. I still believe Levis can be our guy, but bagging on him as the sole reason for defeat and calling for Rudolph is just silly. Let's give him some time and perhaps some freedom to make some mistakes and learn from them. Careful QBs who don't take risks are called game managers and become career backups for a reason. I say, take the risks... but maybe be a little more calculated with them...
Jim: Thanks for chiming in McKeeg.
Gary Corley from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: First time writing in to the mailbag. I just think everyone should calm down yes the mistakes that Levi's are making are inexcusable but it's a long season and I really believe we are going to get it together our defense continues to show up and I believe we are going to get special teams on track
my question is about Tyjae Spears shouldn't we be using him more than what we are and Martin Robinson showed up so much in preseason why has he been inactive. Thanks for listening and keep up the good work TITAN UP!!!!
Jim: Don't be a stranger, Gary.
Chuy Cano from Corpus Christi, Texas
Question: Hey Mr. Jim....Chuy here coming from South Texas. Man......what another game. I really thought we had the win.....until another bonehead play from Levis. And man...did the coach let him have it as well!...could've been another TD and a good lead. And at what point is Coach Callahan do u think.....he'll bench levis and put n Rudolph. At this point....I am not looking forward to going 0-3.....I know the team doesn't as well. He made some good passes....and what a run as well.....but man....trying to extend the play n the red zone and just carelessly passing the ball off to Spears. I'm pretty sure coaches r bringing up the issue and change...don't u? Now going up against Malik and the packers. I know it's just week 2..and the only team in our division that has wins r the Texans........ :-(........seems everyone else is having trouble getting traction. Thought our offense would b better this year.....gotta a tough hill to climb now. TITAN UP ALL THE WAY!!! Give me some hope Mr. Jim
Jim: No one wants to go 0-3, Chuy. Need a win on Sunday for sure.
Randy Porter from Hendersonville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, it's been a while! Well, Like all fans, I was brimming with excitement this season. I was convinced that new coaching, new players and a new direction would erase the pains of seasons past and would pull back the veil on a new era of Titans football. The preseason served to heighten my optimism even more. After the blunder against the Bears, I resisted the urge to spout knee-jerk reactions, good or bad. I suppressed repeating my long standing support of Tannehill and the value he brought to this team. A stance I stood by, no matter how many thought they wanted him gone. I refused to go back in time, beating the dead horses of special team breakdowns, terrible blocking and getting our high value punter injured. After all, it's a new team, so look forward and remain optimistic. Right ?.. right. Again, it's just one game and Callahan WILL fix it and fast, unlike seasons past, when bad trends continued until it was too late. So, optimism in hand, it's off to the home opener and the Jets. Like the Bears, the Jets are a team we should beat easily, right ?.. RIGHT ! And, for the second week, fans were thrilled to see a much improved, agressive defense. We had downfield coverage, a stingy run defense and frequent QB pressure. As for offense, we saw a good run game at times. But, we also saw a continuation of the previous week and previous seasons. We saw bad O-line pass protection and blocking, allowing 7 sacks so far. We saw hurried screen plays, off target passes, inexcusable QB decisions and another cringe-worthy blocked punt, that could have taken Stonehouse out again. Most of all, we saw another winnable game squandered away. We had Jets fans sitting in front of us Sunday, who traveled for this game. He follows the team closely and told me that they said the team actually worked more on blocking punts last week, because they knew "the Titans struggled to protect their punter". He went on to say that they anticipated "the Titans would likely force runs up the middle, even in typical passing situations". According to him, they openly said, "keep pressure on Levis and he WILL make crucial mistakes". He said these things were mentioned more than once throughout the week, during team practice interviews etc. Turned out, they were exactly right. I have to say, it's concerning when other teams anticipate your tendencies and don't think you'll correct or adjust. So Jim, I'll say it first. Yes, it's just been "two" games now. Can't judge the team or season on just two games. And I sure hope that's right. But here's the thing. We let core players go, and spent a lot of money getting a new and better combination of players. We added some great talent and some valuable experience. We revamped the coaching staff, (including special teams coach and O-line coach), and have a new GM at the helm. We even buried the light blue "Code Blue" uniforms somewhere I hope and now have our beloved throwback Oilers uniforms. So all the pieces are in place for success it seems. But, we'll see. I just hope we're aren't soon saying "Well, we still have half the season remaining, to turn things around.." And, I hope we don't hear "Do we miss Ryan Tannehill yet ?" - Well Jim, there's my rant. Did we solve everything here in Mailbag ?.. No, not yet, but it's only been "two" weeks.
Thanks Jim !
Jim: Way to close us out, Randy!
Have a great weekend everyone!
