NASHVILLE – It's time to get back to playing football games for the Tennessee Titans.
On Sunday, the team will return to action against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium.
Since the Miami game, we've tackled a lot of topics in the previous three mailbags, with a lot of Will Levis discussion.
We'll see where things go from here after the Indy game.
But for now, here's the latest mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Adam Guest from Lincoln, England, United Kingdom
Question: Hello, I'm Adam I'm 36 and from the UK. I'm not writing to ask a question, I'm writing to say thank you to the Tennessee Titans and everyone associated with the team.
Being a Brit, a lot of people don't understand my love for NFL. But my passion for the sport originally came from a darker place than most.
During my 20s I suffered from mental health problems. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, all this after years of warning signs that my mental health was deteriorating.
I was lucky enough to see my doctor and thankfully she was very understanding and organised some counselling for me.
When I began counseling I was asked what I do for enjoyment? I said I enjoy watching football (soccer), but I hadn't really been interested in it for a while, I couldn't actually focus on it or enjoy it. So the counselor suggested I try and find something else to focus on. I've always been interested in sports and I'd watched the super bowl a few times, so I thought I'd try and focus my time and energy in learning more about American sports. Especially American Football and Baseball. Two massive sports that I didn't really know to much about. It was the perfect way to spend hours/days learning about it. Well, that was a mistake, because I fell head over heels for both sports and they've consumed most of my life ever since.
I fell in love with the Titans after I researched all of the NFL teams. I literally reached everything; from the cities, the stadium, the fans, weather, climate, the team's histories and everything about the Titans matched to what I wanted. Nashville looks like such a beautiful place too and I'll visit it one day! I've watched so much on YouTube about Tennessee, Nashville and Titans and it looks amazing. If I ever get the chance to visit I'll make sure to come and thank you all in person too. Over the years I've enjoyed the highs and lows as a Titans fan and I just want to thank you all for helping me in my life. I've got a feeling we'll surprise everyone this season.
Many thanks, Adam
Jim: Very inspiring email, Adam. Thanks for taking the time, and for sharing your story. Let me know if you ever make it to Nashville. Best to you.
Joe White from Kingsport, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. I hope all is well. My question is about Will Levis as are a lot of others these days. You keep saying this season is about determining if Levis is the guy, but if he isn't then we have thrown this season away and we may not have DHop or Tyler Boyd next year. My concerns are that if we waste this opportunity to be competitive, we are back at square one next year with a lesser receiving group again. Does that enter into anyone's thought process? Or am I way off here? Thoughts?
Jim: Hey Joe. Frankly, I don't think anyone is worrying about next year right now. It's all about the present, and, as it relates to Will, finding out whether he can be the guy in 2024 and beyond. I don't know that he will be. And, I don't know that he won't be. Right now, no one does. But this doesn't mean the team can't be competitive, and win, right now. Up to this point, the team has been very competitive. I think everyone would agree the Titans could be, or maybe even should be, 3-1 right now. But that isn't the case because of mistakes.
Blaine Miller from Fayetteville, Arkansas
Question: Hey Jim, do you see any ways to improve the offensive line immediately to give this offense the protection it needs to win games? This team should be 3-1 instead of 1-3 if not for a few crucial mistakes on offense, mainly by Will Levis, and his decision-making while being pressured. If he is pressured less, it should lead to more wins. Would love your thoughts on how to improve the Oline immediately, whether in house or making a trade.
Jim: Well, the Titans called up Leroy Watson this week, and the team threw him into the mix at right tackle. He could be plan B there.
David Kennedy from Hytop, Alabama
Question: I know the answer to the Titans woes! All Titans fans change their "lucky" shirts. I decided that my "lucky" Titans shirt wasn't working, ( I loved that shirt!), so I "binned" it and changed to another shirt, and we won! I now have a new "lucky" shirt! Jim: Do you have a "lucky" shirt?
Jim: Interesting idea, David. I actually do have a lucky shirt -- I wore it to the Vandy-Alabama game.
Joseph Carey from Simpsonville, South Carolina
Question: Why isn't Calvin Ridley who is making 22 million not getting the ball?
Jim: Hey Joseph. Well, Brian Callahan was asked about that this week. Not in those exact terms, but he was asked about it. Callahan said the plan is to get Calvin the ball more. This is what he said: I got to do a better job of finding ways to get Calvin the ball, need to use his speed and explosiveness more. Just get it in his hands every which way we can and again that's on me to get him in those spots where he can get the ball more and let Will (Levis) play football. But need to find a way to get him going. I told him that this morning too just, 'Hey man got to be finding a way to get you going, and just be patient and we'll get it to you.' But he's great. He's a team player. He just wants to win. But, like all those guys, they want their part of the action. They want to be able to help. So that's mostly on me to find ways to get him the ball."
Nick Ellis from Centennial, Colorado
Question: Hey Nick. Here's the link for the construction cam: https://www.earthcam.net/projects/newNissanStadiumconstruction/
A lot of progress is being made, huh?
Greg Spradley from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Any word on Colton Dowell's progress and prospects for returning?
Jim: Hi Greg. I see Colton on a regular basis around the facility. He's been working hard, rehabbing his knee, and getting better. But I think this is pretty much going to be a redshirt season for Colton. I haven't asked anyone about this in a bit, but don't expect to see him on the field this year. I suspect the team is going to give him plenty of time to get healthy.
Timothy George from Madison, Tennessee
Question: I am not a coach but have been watching football for 60 plus years. Why wouldn't coach Callahan sit Levis and start Rudolph? They scored on each of his drives in the victory? Is the coach watching something different than everyone else. The object is to win and Levis has caused the Titans to lose 3 games due to his turnovers.
Jim: Hey Timothy. Believe me, Timothy, the head coach wants to win as much as anyone else. And while I agree Levis played a key role in losses to the Bears and Jets with his turnovers, I'm not putting the Green Bay loss on him. That was a complete team loss by the Titans against the Packers, who pretty much came in here and pants them.
Travis Walker from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, thanks for all of your good work… My question is, why did so many of our fans think that we should be winning right away? Vrabel inherited a playoff team. Cally inherited a dumpster fire. It takes time to develop an O-line. It takes time to develop a QB. The defense ALWAYS comes along quicker than offense, because while both require nuance, those nuances are more critical to offensive play than defensive. All that said, we are roughly where I thought we would be at this point. I've seen development. Patience is a virtue…
Jim: Hey Travis. I just think some fans are frustrated. I understand it, based on some of the losses. I said before the year I'd take 2-2 in a heartbeat at the bye. The Titans didn't make it there, of course. Now I'd take 4-4 at the halfway point. If the Titans can get there, it could be an interesting second half of the year. Winning on Sunday against the Colts is a must.
Have a great weekend everyone!
