NASHVILLE – We're halfway through July, and really closing in on the start of Titans training camp.
The first preseason game is less than a month away, and the regular season is less than two months away.
Meanwhile, the latest edition of the Titans mailbag starts now…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Will Keve from Burlington, Vermont
Question: Hey Jim. In the last mailbag you mentioned Logan Woodside has only completed one NFL pass. Brett Kern, Derrick Henry and Kevin Byard have at least that many. Any chance that whether Tannehill is healthy or not the Titans consider using an unconventional QB, considering the lack of depth they have? Even just a few times a year?
Jim: Hey Will. Pointing that out certainly was not a knock on Logan – it's just a fact. And a big part of that statistic has nothing to do with him, and has more to do with Ryan Tannehill's ability to stay healthy, and play at a high level – that's kept the Titans from needing to call on Logan. Logan's competition is DeShone Kizer. If the Titans use anybody else, it would only be for a gadget play.
Harry Prentiss from Sunbury, Pennsylvania
Question: Is there any thought to playing Darrynton Evans as a change of pace back this season? If he stays healthy, he's got speed to stretch the field.
Question: Yes. It's why they drafted him. Darrynton is a good runner, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. But he's also in a competition with Brian Hill and Jeremy McNichols behind Derrick Henry. Darrynton just needs to stay healthy, and perform well. He would've gotten more opportunities last year if he'd been able to stay healthy.
Peter Ortensie from San Antonio, Texas
Question: Hey Jim, I have a bold prediction: I predict that Derrick Henry will become the first NFL running back to break the 300-yard barrier in a single game this season. What do you think? Is it possible?
Jim: Considering he had 250 yards in the last regular season game he played in at Houston, it's not impossible. Heck, he's gone over two bills in a game five times in his career. But three bills would be tough. Speaking of Bills, has Josh Norman landed yet?
Jeremiah Dowell from La Grange, Georgia
Question: Will the Titans allow fans at training camp this year and if so, will there be any fan/player engagement?
Jim: Hi Jeremiah. I keep including these types of questions in the mailbag because I don't want anyone to be surprised. Now, it's official: Training camp practices unfortunately will not be open to fans this year like years past because of all the construction at Saint Thomas Sports Park. And, and I mentioned multiple times in here, there won't be an open practice at Nissan Stadium either. The team planned to have at least one open session for fans at the stadium, but other non-football events scheduled at Nissan Stadium in July and August threw a wrench into the plans.
Donna Mansfield from Humboldt, Tennessee
Question: Who are the kickers that are trying to make the team? How is the competition going between them? If a veteran is to be sign which veteran kicker do you think have a shot of being sign? Love this team (and Dallas Cowboys). Hope to see a game in Nashville some day. I will be praying for a great season and all the staff and players and management teams. GO TITANS!! (Where can I find an inexpensive Ryan Tannehill's home jersey? I am disabled and on a fix income). He is my favorite player.
Jim: Right now, the team has two kickers on the roster – Blake Haubeil and Tucker McCann. The plan, for now, is to have them compete in training camp for the job. I think McCann will enter camp with the edge in the competition, but he's never kicked in an NFL game, and that includes the preseason. Keep in mind Stephen Gostkowski remains unsigned, living in Nashville. Some other veterans are on the market. The youngsters will have a chance to convince management they can be trusted, and in turn keep the GM and HC from looking elsewhere. But this is a very fluid situation that will need to be monitored. As for the Tannehill jersey, probably the cheapest ones you'll find now are from his days with the Dolphins…
Justin Jones from Southern, Maryland
Question: Good Evening Jim. It's Been A While Since I've Submitted A Question Into The Mail Bag (Mainly Because You Answer All My Questions Either Via Social Media Or In This Session) 😉.
With All The Excitement Around The Offense & Defense, My Question Is In Regards To The Special Teams. As
We Struggled Last Year Especially With A Consistent Kicker. Any Updates On Who We Can Expect To Be Our Starting Kicker This Year? Will It Be Stephen Gostkowski or somebody new?
Also Any Updates On Who Will Be Returning Punts & Kickoffs For Us?
Thank You For All Your Great Work, It's Greatly Appreciated, Especially For Us Out Of Towners. #TitanUp.
Jim: Hey Justin. Good to hear from you. I just hit on the kicking situation.
As for the return game, I suspect guys like Darrynton Evans and Cam Batson will be in the mix for kick returns, and Chester Rogers and Josh Reynolds could get in the mix at punt returns. I actually think several guys will get a chance in camp.
Larry Coleman from Houston, Texas
Question: I read where late Oilers coach Bum Phillips will join Jeff Fisher and Floyd Reese in the Ring of Honor. I'm very happy Amy Adams Strunk felt they were deserving of the recognition, and that she continues to remember the team's past as the Oilers. My question is: Will the team do anything more to bring more attention to the Ring of Honor inductees at Nissan Stadium?
Jim: Well-timed question, Larry. Right now, the other Ring of Honor members are recognized with signs at the top of Nissan Stadium. I can tell you this: With discussions under way on a redeveloped Nissan Stadium and the surrounding campus, I've heard the team will eventually transition what is now the Ring of Honor into a Walk of Fame concept. By doing so, it would provide fans an accessible and visually compelling space, and more players, coaches and front office members might be inducted on a regular basis, too. The origins of the Ring of Honor started with a team Hall of Fame induction in 1999, the first year of the stadium, when seven initial members had their names displayed inside the seating bowl. In time, this should be even more special.
Carolyn Hines from Memphis, Tennessee
Question: I listen to your broadcast in Memphis, but I found out that they won't have the broadcast anymore. Is there any radio stations nearby where I can continue to listened to the Titans games?
Jim: Well Carolyn, your timing is perfect as well. Mike Keith and Rhett Bryan from Titans Radio were in Memphis this week to announce the new home of the Titans – and Memphis Tigers – in Memphis is NewsTalk 98.9-FM, a 100,000-watt station aka "The Roar of Memphis." You'll be able to listen to the games there, and here's another treat – Mike Keith will be a regular guest on the station during the week in-season with Ditch, Jeff Brightwell, and Sideshow Bob.
Tyler Baczewski from Harlingen, Texas
Question: Hey Jim. Is there a chance we get a new season of "Igniting the Fire" this year?
Jim: Hey Tyler. There won't be an "Igniting the Fire" series, but the team does have some new content ideas in the works and will continue to do player/coach wire features. Stay tuned.
Kenston Farmer from Memphis, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Will the Titans have virtual training camp like we did last year for fans that come to training camp physically?
Jim: Hey Kenston. I know you reached out a few times on this, and I searched for an answer. It's going to be tricky because of Covid guidelines that remain in place, not to mention the renovations to the facility. The team does plan on having some live look-in's hosted by Mike Keith and Amie Wells to give fans some exclusive access, I know that. At this point, the broadcast schedule is TBD.
Coy Nowell from Orange, Texas
Question: Jim I was wondering how close do we look to be a Super Bowl contender this year?
Jim: Not intending to be coy here, Coy, but check back in December.
Have a great weekend everyone!
