NASHVILLE – Welcome to July.
And welcome to another edition of the Titans mailbag.
The training camp start date is closing in, so get ready.
Are you ready for this?
Let's get rolling with this weekend's mailbag …
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Dave Roberts from Manitoba, Canada
Question: Hey Jim, love reading your Q & A. Always interesting. My question is not about Julio or our defense. It is about a kicker. Do we have any prospects yet.? Is there any talk of Gostkowski returning this season?
Jim: Hey Dave. There's plenty still to be determined here. Tucker McCann and Blake Haubeil are currently on the roster and will compete in training camp. They'll have a chance to convince management to not look elsewhere. I know Stephen Gostkowski still lives in Nashville, and other options are out there, too. We'll probably have to wait a bit for our answer on this topic.
Brody Page from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: How did Julio look in OTA's? Is he beating all the cornerbacks? Thanks, as always!
Jim: Hey Brody. Julio has looked really good. He stands out on the practice field with his size and speed, and pass-catching ability. But I'd be lying if I said he's been schooling the DBs or anything like that. Because of offseason rules, the team can't do 1-on-1 drills in OTAs. Things will get cranked up in camp later this month.
Ryan Mangum from Sevierville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. What's up with Briley Moore? I was hoping to see him on the field this year but it looks like the TE from Bama is going to take the spot. How's he doing in the mini camps? Thank you Sir and TitanUp!
Jim: Hey Ryan. I've actually liked the looks of Briley Moore. Not sure where you heard the Alabama TE (Miller Forristall) is taking his spot. In my eyes there's room for another TE behind Anthony Firkser and Geoff Swaim, and Tommy Hudson, Briley Moore, Jared Pinkney and Forristall are all battling for it, maybe in that order. And, like I've said in here previously, I think there's a good chance someone else will be added at the position. Some could depend on how these guys do in camp.
Bill in Spokane, Washington
Question: There being no actual football to talk about right now, a national sportswriter is predicting WR1.5 Julio Jones as an early favorite for Most Value Titan. I loved your recent article on LB Jayon Brown - how about #55 as a co-favorite? A strengthened pass rush (hopefully) can only help his versatile, right-place-at-the-right-time instincts, yes? Thanks!
Jim: Hey Bill. Thanks for reading. Here's the story on Jayon for those who missed it: CLICK HERE.
Terry Jones from Huntington, West Virginia
Question: How do you feel about throwback uniforms potentially coming back in 2022? I'm hyped about it!
Jim: Hey Terry. Everyone seems to be fired up about it, and you can put me in this category. But this could be a little complicated. It's my understanding the team put in a request to the league for the alternate (Oilers) helmet, which would allow it to be worn in 2022. But because the alternate (Oilers) uniforms probably won't be available until 2023, fans might have to be patient to see the Oilers throwback look. It makes no sense to wear one without the other …
Tracy Shellow from Columbus, Ohio
Question: Hello Jim, I have no questions really just wanted you to know I am a TITAN fan and I absolutely love you all. It's hard to be a TITAN fan in Columbus OH.
Jim: Hey Tracy. Thanks for spreading the love. I'll spread the word!
John Calugar from Hendersonville, Tennessee
Question: What's the deal with Elijah Molden and Monty Rice contracts? They are the only two drafted or undrafted signee's that have not signed a contract. Over the Cap shows the Titans have some cash around $7 million. They have been present at OTA's and mini camp appearing to have attended without a contract.
Jim: Hey John. I wouldn't sweat it. In some past years, the team signed all the draft picks the week leading up to training camp. All those guys practiced in offseasons of the past without deals. Those contracts will get done.
Hunter Phelan from South Pasadena, California
Question: Hi Mr. Jim hope all is well with you sir! I actually have no question. I just wanted to give a huge thanks to Amy Adams Strunk for being one of the pioneers in leading the NFL's going back to let teams wear alternate, or throw back uniforms. She has done an amazing job since taking over, where i believe she had many doubters. She has brought this team to respectability and stability with a steady hand. As a Titan / Oiler fan I've seen almost every game since 1978 as a 10 year old kid. I can count on one hand the games I've missed ever since. It will be great to see the Oiler helmet live again, however she decides to bring them back ever so often. Job well done!!!
Also wanted to give Mike Keith and Amie Wells shout outs. Listened to the throwback uniforms podcast this morning. I actually felt a little emotional listening to it. Fantastic stuff, and history lesson on both Titans/Oilers history. I am not on twitter or instagram to thank them myself. Of course a huge congrats to Mr. Keith for the HOF!!!
Jim: Hey Hunter. Amy is definitely interested in this team's history, and she wants to see the Oilers recognized and celebrated. She deserves a lot of credit, like you said. And you're right -- Mike and Amie do a great job with the OTP. Mike is a real gem. Here's a look at his outstanding career and some memories of him in a Q and A leading up to his Hall of Fame induction: CLICK HERE.
Shiloh Ostadhassan from Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
Question: Hi Jim. I've been a fan since your Tennessean days and since your switch into an official team role, you've exceeded expectations. You do an incredible job of keeping us fans informed and close to the action - thank you for that!
My question is this: is there a sense of urgency or an "all-in" mentality around the team regarding this window of opportunity to win it all? Naturally, every season is a chance to script your own destiny and all teams should aspire for a Super Bowl victory, but some teams are realistic and others aren't. This team has been close or thereabouts for a few seasons now and I'm wondering if that's the mantra so far in camp. The stars may have aligned just right to make a significant run this season and next, but beyond that there looks to be a lot of uncertainty.
In my opinion, if we can stay in or near the top 5 offensively and improve upon our defensive limitations of last season, we have a contender. I hope that's what the players are being told and feeling as well. Titan Up from Canada!
Jim: Hi Shiloh. Thanks for the kind words! There's definitely a sense of urgency, with the players, coaching staff, and management. Heck, I know I need to get it done, too! This team has a lot of potential, but it's going to have to take care of business.
Have a great weekend everyone!
