NASHVILLE – Well, we've made it to the final weekend of June.
The sports world is on the verge of cranking back up again soon, and that includes the NFL.
Hope everyone out there is staying healthy and safe, and thanks again for keeping the mailbox hopping.
Let's dive into the latest Titans mailbag …
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Richard Throckmorton from Doyle, Tennessee
Question: JIM, HAVE ENJOYED READING ALL YOUR GREAT WORK EVER SINCE THE TITANS CAME TO TENNESSEE. I AM 88 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN A TRUE BLUE TITAN'S FAN. I HAVE SEEN THE GOOD AND THE BAD, WITH WINNING SEASONS AND SEASONS WE WOULD LIKE TO FORGET ABOUT. BUT AT THIS PRESENT TIME I FEEL AS THOUGH WE HAVE TWO OF THE MOST ABLE LEADERS TO BRING CONTINUED SUCCESS TO OUR TEAM. THAT BEING OUR GENERAL MANAGER, JON, AND OUR HEAD COACH, MIKE VRABEL. HAT'S OFF TO BOTH OF THEM FOR MAKING THE HARD AND TOUGH DECISIONS THAT THEY DID LAST YEAR. FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE, I AM A TITANS FAN. WIN OR LOSE TITAN UP!
Jim: Hi Richard. I really appreciate the kind words, I appreciate you taking the time to write. And you're right about the leadership – the team is in good hands with Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel. Thanks again and stay safe Richard.
Calvin Lum from Phoenix, Arizona
Question: Being from Phoenix I watched a lot of Mountain West football and saw Cole McDonald several times on TV the last 2 years. Saw him benched several times for poor plays, but always kept up a good attitude and always being a good cheerleader while on the sidelines. Do you think (quarterbacks coach) Pat O'Hara can fix his problem of his long delivery? That was his shortcoming on his passes, gave too much time for defensive backs to react. Should be a good 3rd string need him to watch from the sidelines.
Jim: Hi Calvin. Well, this is a fair question on Cole, because it is an issue. After being drafted by the Titans, he even said he knows he needs to limit the long winding loop to be more proficient in terms of his throwing mechanics, his delivery, and just being a better quarterback. He said he's working on it every day. Here's exactly what he said: "I work on it every day. There's nothing else to do. At any level I feel like a person can always keep evolving,
always keep pursuing and helping their game in any facet, physically and mentally. I feel like it is all based on a person's mindset. For me, I know it needs to be changed and it's going to be changed. I'm going to be a better quarterback after it and help this team in any way that I can. For me it's just taking that and working on it every single day, fine tune those muscles making it muscle memory and applying it at game time." I'm sure Pat O'Hara will work with him as well, but obviously a lot is on Cole here and it's not easy to change.
Clifton Knight from Woodbury, Tennessee
Question: Whats up Catdaddy Jim? Was wondering if you might know when the players are able to enter the stadium and actually start practicing? Would be nice to see some real action by the team and see our draft class and players get some reps.
Jim: Catdaddy Jim? Oh man, I kind of like the sound of that Clifton! As for reporting date, it's scheduled for July 28, although I know that's subject to change. As of now, though, the plan is to hold training camp and start the season on time.
Terri Heathcock-Carlsen from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Question: Hello Jim. Oiler fan to Titan here and I do LOVE MY TENNESSEE TITAN'S! That being said I thought I would ask the question I have not read or heard yet. When are we going to lock in Henry? Surely we are close to a deal. I believe with all my heart we are going to the Superbowl this year and we have all the tools we need to win it! The Beast really made the difference in our run game. What can you tell me?
Jim: Hi Terri. This has actually been one of the most popular questions in the mailbag. All I can tell you is the two sides remain in conversations. And, the two sides must come to an agreement by July 15 or Henry will play in 2020 on the one-year franchise tag.
Mack O from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, I'm a long-time reader and first-time writer. I have a comment and a question for you. First my comment, I've noticed your mailbag has been full of chatter regarding players kneeling. My personal opinion as an African American Navy Veteran with 21 years of honorable service is that there should be no issue with players, coaches, referees or anyone else kneeling. The issue that has been around for YEARS (Kap tried 4 years ago) is finally getting the attention that is needed to encourage change. I don't perceive kneeling as disrespect to the flag, but more as a beacon signaling distress within our nation and help is needed.
Now my question: Do you envision Arthur Smith utilizing Cole McDonald in a Taysom Hill type role? Cole is a tough athletic QB with good size at 6'4", 220lbs and he would definitely make the Titans more dynamic on offense. Not to mention it would also clear up the "who's going to be the backup QB" issue by having Woodside as QB2 and Cole active on the gameday rosters. Thanks for taking the time Jim. TitanUP!
Jim: Hi Mack. For starters, thank you for your service. Secondly, thanks for sharing your comments. As for your question about McDonald, I don't anticipate the team working on anything with him in a Taysom Hill role quite yet. He has to first make the team, and I'll be honest – I think he's going to have a tough time. This is no knock on Cole, but Logan Woodside is the favorite to win the No.2 spot because of his experience in the system, and because of the fact the coaches and GM like him so much. Plus, Cole hasn't had the benefit of OTAs or a minicamp, and that time is critical for a young QB trying to make a team. If Cole hits the ground running, and makes the team, then maybe the team looks for ways to take advantage of his skill set. Until then, his singular focus should be do enough to stick around, either on the 55-man roster or practice squad.
Chad Rozak from Plover, Wisconsin
Question: Mr. Wyatt it's me again. If we do sign Henry to a long-term contract and pick up Clowney is there anyone else that Mr. Robinson and coach Vrabel have in mind to sign? Also us fans would like to know if Nashville would ever hold a Super Bowl? Because we the fans would like to see Nashville be the home of the biggest game of the year.
Jim: Hey Chad. I suspect the GM and HC are eyeing others on the market as well. There will be more additions and roster shuffling leading up to the season, I can promise you that. As for the Super Bowl in Nashville, the only thing that's on the horizon as of now is a Super Bowl parade in February…
Colton Wolfe from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Jim, I recently heard that NFL Stadiums will tarp off the front 8 rows of seats to put sponsorship on. If we do have fans in the stands. What does that mean for Season Ticket Members that own those seats? #TitanUp
Jim: Hi Colton. I saw that report as well. All I can tell you is lot of things are being discussed, as team and league officials try to find the best way to make fans in the stands work this season while dealing with the challenges related to the coronavirus. It sounds like the rows down low will be off limits to fans to protect players, coaches and team staff from exposure, and according to Sports Business Journal, NFL "teams have been informed they can sell camera-visible signage on tarps to local sponsors to help defray pandemic-related revenue losses." Wish I could tell you more here, but it's all a work in progress. Stay tuned.
Marvin Lucas, Sr. from Port Gibson, Mississippi
Question: Good morning Jim, just a couple comments on Black Lives Matter and the flag issue and comment on Derrick Henry. One question from last week was that when players kneel that they put their hand over their hearts, THEY DO THIS … KNEELS WITH HAND OVER heart , ,,OK ,, NOW WHAT IS THE PROBLEM.,,DONE//Next excuse . ITS NOT ABOUT THE FLAG ,,, IT BRING ATTENTION,,,, GET YOUR ATTENTION,,TO INJUSTICE . The issue on Derrick Henry is let's be honest about THE DEFINING CONTRACT JUSTICE, for Derrick Henry, ,,,If Derrick Henry don't get Justice ,, Ain't none ,,Never complain , JUSTICE FOR DERRICK HENRY,, What up TITANS, Jim, I smell something a little fishy and i'm waiting on July 15 to verify. . We can GET 3-4 GOOD MONSTER years out of Him (WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY) ,,if we are COMMITTED,, What do you think.?????JUSTICE FOR DH
Jim: Hey Marvin. Thanks for bringing yet another perspective on this.
Kevin Yoshizu from Honolulu, Hawaii
Question: Aloha Jim! No questions here but just wanted to comment on the 2020 Titans team. Being from Hawaii and from St Louis High School I've watched every Mariota game since he entered the NFL. I believe Marcus has brought a winning culture to the Tennessee Titans organization. When Marcus left for the Raiders team, I initially thought that I would not be watching any more Titans football games. But since keeping up with daily Titans news I feel like I know almost all the players development since they entered the Titans organization. Like Derrick Henry patiently waiting for his time to show what he can do in this league and also Jonnu Smith coming into his own. Well, I just want to let you know that I can't wait for this season to start and watch the Titans play some bad ass football! Hope they go all the way to the AFC Championship Game again and beat their opponents whoever they might be. Would be nice if the AFC Championship Game was between Titans vs Raiders and Mariota at QB, LOL!!! Good Luck to the Titans organization this upcoming year and thanks for giving Marcus Mariota a fair shot in the NFL.
Jim: Aloha Kevin. Glad to still have you aboard! Mahalo!
Have a great weekend everyone!
