NASHVILLE – It's almost time for another football game.
Seems like it's been a month, right?
After the bye week, the Titans return to action on Sunday against the Jaguars at Nissan Stadium.
I'm ready.
I'm also ready to open up another mailbag.
Let's go…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Jimmy Dee from Battle Ground, Washington
Question: Wow! Zach Cunningham is exactly what the Titans need since ILB David Long Jr is injured. Cunningham is a good player. He's fast and he battles. He could be a keeper if he can put his rules violations issues behind him because these issues could undermine the "Team First" attitude the Titans are trying to foster. I'm hoping his issues have been because he wasn't happy in Texas. He should be happy to join a real contender. Man, he could really help a lot starting with the Pittsburgh game. Fans should celebrate the acquisition of Cunningham and the team got him at a great time too.
Jim: Hey Jimmy. He's a great acquisition, no doubt. I've always likes his game, and he's going to make the defense better. And I have no doubt he'll fit in well with the Titans. Head coach Mike Vrabel and DC Shane Bowen know him from their days with him in Houston, and I'm sure they'll make Zach aware of their expectations for him. Cunningham has to be thrilled – he's back in Nashville, and he's on a contender.
Greg Serheev from Bedminster, New Jersey
Question: Hello there Jim. What are the chances that the Titans come out this Sunday wearing the Oilers uniforms and destroy the Jags to set the tone for the rest of the season?? Biggest Fan. Thanks. Greg.
Jim: The chance of you seeing the Oilers uniforms tomorrow is zero, Greg – the Titans will be decked out in all navy on Sunday.
Joseph Dezine from North Miami, Florida
Question: Hey Jim!!! Long time no write, sorry for the bad joke. But serious question though since the Josh Reynolds experiment didn't go as planned what are your thoughts on bringing in Kenny Stills? He similar to Josh but a little more proven imo. But overall he could bring in the veteran experience that we'll need in our playoff push. Lastly I'm Love'em Blue through and through, but what are your thoughts on why we've haven't kicked the tires on Leveon Bell or Lamar Miller? I had hoped we picked one of them up in the absence of King Henry to be that band-aid and also give us some veteran experience come playoff time. I love what I see in Foreman's second act and especially Hillard. Thanks for letting me get these thoughts out of head. #TitanUp
Jim: Hey Joseph. Good to hear from you again. With improving health at the position, I'm not anticipating another move at receiver right now. Julio Jones and Racey McMath returned to practice this week, and I think A.J Brown will be back after the Pittsburgh game, for the 49ers game. At running back, not sure if you saw it, but the team signed Jordan Wilkins to the practice squad. He's there for depth behind D'Onta Foreman, Dontrell Hilliard and Jeremy McNichols.
Anthony Pasillas from Reedley, California
Question: Hello Jim! I'd just like to say that i am very proud of our team. They play hard every game and it shows. I don't understand how our fans can't see that our team is tired and yes banged up but after 12 games who wouldn't be. Yes, we have a lot of injured key players and i think the coaching staff is doing a Great Job shuffling players around. I read in one of your columns saying that Tannehill is washed up amongst other things just because he had a couple bad games, which QB in the NFL hasn't had multiple bad games. I just want to say to all Titan Fans that i feel your pain, try and have some Faith in our team and let's Hold our Heads Up High and be Proud of where we're at. Titans 4Life.
Jim: Hey Anthony. Appreciate you weighing in. I get the frustration from some fans after back-to-back losses, but the team is still in good shape, at 8-4 and a nice lead in the AFC South. I really do think the Titans are going to get back on track. If things don't turn out well on Sunday, oh man the mailbag could get ugly.
Eddy Willette from Cookeville, Tennessee
Question: I have never written to you so, this is my first time. Do i get any kind of prize? Just kidding. Any update on when David Long Jr. can return to play? He is an outstanding player for us and is really missed. Also, I wanted to say how awesome will it be to hold the record for most different players used in a season and to win the Super Bowl!
Jim: No prize Eddy, but good to hear from you. David Long won't be back this week. I don't think he's too far away, though.
Yamil Abuchard from Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Question: Hi Jim! From Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Just want say hi and tell you how I appreciate your work. My questions are: who are the team captains and what is their role on the team? The other question: is there a way you can get me an autographed Derrick Henry item? (in exchange for a weekend here for you and your family) :).
Jim: Man, this sounds like a great trade-off Yamil! Wish I could make it happen. As for the captains, a lot of guys lead different ways. Some are quieter and they lead by example, while others are more outspoken. The Titans players elected five captains before the season -- safety Kevin Byard, running back Derrick Henry, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and punter Brett Kern. Vrabel also names weekly captains for the coin toss. It's his way of rewarding guys for their work.
Robert Conlon from Baltimore, Maryland
Question: What's the forecast for Sunday - please no rain 🙏
Jim: After a stormy Friday night/Saturday morning, it's supposed to be a beautiful day on Sunday, Robert – sunny with a high of 52.
Jerry Pigue from Old Hickory, Tennessee
Question: What is the status of Derrick Henry?
Jim: Hi Coach Pigue! He's still on Injured Reserve, recovering. Then he'll begin rehab. While there's hope he'll return for the playoffs, no one knows at this point – not Derrick, not coaches, not trainers, not even his doctors. His status for January will hinge on how his recovery and rehab plays out in the next month or so. Keep your fingers crossed all goes well.
Mike Miles from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: Jim, me again, hope you had a good bye week. Want to take a few minutes and let people know how to be a true Titan fan. I am going on 72 years old with some medical stuff going on. The day after thanksgiving I fell and broke my ulna bone in my left arm. I get tired out walking from our ride the our seats. I have not and will not miss a game at our house. Come rain snow heat or cold I have been there with my wife. Let's get our house back like it was with Steve and Eddie and find out "WHO LET THE DOGS OUT". Come out Titan fans and show our team we are now and all ways will be there. We can win this year and have five games left that can put us #1. Let's do it Titan fans. Thanks Jim and TITAN UP.
Jim: Hey Mike. Sorry about your injury! It's been that kind of season, huh? I like your enthusiasm! Here's to a speedy recovery!!
Luther Greer Jr. from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim blessings to you and all of the Titans organization and your families have a great holiday and also to the great fans as well. Jim as a fan of our team let's all of us get behind our team and win a Super Bowl. I get upset sometimes when we don't win but I believe in our team so everyone let's stay positive and back our team. Everyone please stay safe and let's cheer our team to a Superbowl everyone be blessed Titan Up
Jim: Good to hear from you, Luther!
David Stalder from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Question: Hey, Jim. Why do I feel like the team is okay with coasting into the playoffs? Dalvin Cook should send a real message to the team. It's time to step up and play through the pain. I get it, you're hurt, but so are a lot of players. I live with constant pain, have so for thirty years and live in poverty with two amputations. Time for these guys to earn their big paychecks; man-up or go do something else. Makes me scream at the TV. The way they've folded in on themselves, complacent with their record, makes me nauseated. They're set up to lose to Jacksonville on Sunday, because, "Oh, my body hurts and my career means more than the team."
Jim: Always good to hear from you, David, but this take is off base. No one around here is coasting, and no one is complacent. And this team is not set up to lose on Sunday. Hang in there and keep fighting yourself.
Bob Leonardi from Luzerne, Pennsylvania
Question: HI JIM FIRST TIME WRITING. I'VE BEEN AN OILER/TITAN FAN GOING BACK TO THE DAYS OF MY MAN BILLIE "WHITESHOES" JOHNSON. YEAH A LONG TIME. I THINK YOU WOULD AGREE WITH ME IN THIS FINAL STRETCH RUN EVERYBODY HAS TO STEP UP. I KNOW WE CAN'T HELP ALL THE INJURIES AND I DON'T BLAME ANYONE FOR THEM IT'S JUST BAD LUCK. BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID TANNEHILL HAS TO PLAY MUCH BETTER. WE WERE SO ONE-DIMENSIONAL RELYING ON HENRY ALL THE TIME. NOW HE HAS TO CARRY THE LOAD AND STEP UP AND REALIZE HE'S THE OFFENSIVE LEADER NOW. BUT I'M NOT GIVING UP ON THE SEASON. HANG IN THERE TITAN FANS BETTER DAYS ARE AHEAD
Jim: COMING IN LOUD AND CLEAR WITH THE ALL CAPS BOB!
Have a great weekend everyone!
