SAN JOSE on way to SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Well, I'm killing some time before tonight's preseason opener and thought I'd bang out a quick mailbag.
Thanks to all those who continue to write in.
Kickoff for Titans-49ers is set 6 p.m. out here, 8 p.m. in Nashville.
I hope you enjoy the game. And this mailbag.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Jevon Lewis from Nashville Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, my name is Jevon I've been a Titans fan since a child. I love this team. My question is James Williams is having an amazing camp, is there any way we cut Barton? Haven't been hearing a lot about him this camp. Also do you think we go into the season with Gray, Hill, and Williams as our starting linebackers? I like Barton as a leader but not so much as player. If we do cut Barton the 7 million we would save do you think we could sign a free agent O-line and who would it be if any or is the team satisfied with the oline we have. Titan up
Jim: Hey Jevon. Good to hear from you. You're right that James Williams has had a great camp – he lost 20 pounds, and he's been flying around, making plays. I will say I thought Cody Barton had a really good day in the Tuesday practice against the 49ers – was physical, and around the ball. I think all four of the guys you mentioned are going to be on the roster, and the battle is on for the starting spots. Also, I don't think the team is "satisfied" with the o-line as of this moment. These guys are going to have to prove it in the preseason games.
Benji Reynolds from Denver, Colorado
Question: Hi Jim, lifelong Titans fan here originally from Jackson, Tennessee, now living in Denver but still proudly repping the Titans. Carnell Tate has been one of the biggest stories of training camp, and I want to get excited, but I think a lot of Titans fans are naturally cautious when it comes to the wide receiver position. Since you've watched every practice, what have you seen from Tate that makes you believe his success is sustainable over the course of season? Is there something about his game, whether it's route running, separation, football IQ, consistency, or chemistry with Cam Ward, that doesn't necessarily come across in the highlight clips? Thank you for your time and all you do. Titan up!!
Jim: Hey Benji. The thing that stands out to me about Carnell is just how smooth he is, as a strider, and catching the football. I like his quiet confidence as well. I think he's going to be a good one. With that said, it's not going to be all smooth sailing. He's a rookie, and he's going to go through some growing pains as he gets adjusted to the NFL. The Titans just want him to keep working, and learning.
Johnny Long from Bowling Green, Kentucky
Question: Hey Jim. This is more of a statement than a question. I want to give a big shout out to Rookie LB Mani Powell. My family was at the Blue & White Scrimmage, and we stuck around for the autograph opportunity. Mani Powell was all smiles, gave high fives, and made the night even better for my kids. It's great seeing the small things players can do to make any kid's night special. Thanks for all that you do!
Jim: Thanks for sharing this story, Johnny. Glad you could make it for the scrimmage.
Jon Cuda from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, first time writing in. Really appreciate you keeping us fans informed. The elephant in the room, for me, is our kicking game. Joey Slye struggled last year with consistency and it seems the same can be said in preseason this year. Are we considering other options at this juncture? Thanks!
Jim: Thanks Jon. Joey has been a little inconsistent so far. The good news is he was 6-of-6 in the joint practice here on Tuesday. Right now, he's the only kicker on the roster, but it's no secret the team has worked out a number of kickers in recent days. The team wants to see Joey settle down, and convince them he can be trusted. If he's inconsistent, then the team might have to explore these other options, that's just the nature of the business and Joey knows it.
Nick Larson from Louisville, Kentucky
Question: Hey Jim, is there a defensive player who has stood out to you from training camp?
Jim: Jeffery Simmons is beastly every single day.
Bob Galasso from Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim, I hope you are doing well and as excited as I am for the regular season to begin.., I would like to talk a little bit regarding Nick Singleton and what he brings to the Titans... Being an avid fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions I had the privelege to watch Nick perform at all of the home games during his collegiate career there.
Singleton is Penn state's all-time leader in total touchdowns (54) and rushing touchdowns (45) breaking the previous records established by a well-known RB named Saquon Barkly - LOL Not too shabby.
While Saquon was a more elusive and shifty, Nick was described as a a more explosive power-speed back and also excelled as a elite receiving threat out of the backfield and was a homerun threat to run through tackles and was so violent a runner was extremely hard for one tackler to bring him down.
Just some quick stats to back up why I'm so glad the Titans drafted him... Over his 4 year career he ran for 3,461 yards scoring 45 rushing TDS and caught 102 passes for 987 yards and 9 additional touchdowns.
I think he would have definitely would have been a top 10 pick had he not suffered the broken foot injury at the Senior bowl that prevented him from to work out at the NFL scouting combine.
I know that critics will point to his decrease in production his Senior year but he played on a Penn State team that really wasn't very good on offense. He was a beast when called upon to block and I've seen him totally obliterate opposing defenders that were hesitant to want to tackle him alone.
He reminds me of a combination of Earl Cambell and King Henry's power and speed and Eddige George's ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Can't wait to see what he does in the backfield during the pre-season.
I like Tony Pollard and Tajae Spears, but I really think that if given the opportunity, Nick coiuld be the future RB that the team will give the ball too... He also performed very well his freshman year on special teams his freshman year... But most of all this kid is a dedicated, determined player who will give the Titans 110% every gameday. His unsellfish Team first mentality cannot be overlooked.
What's your take on him since you've had to see him in person? Thanks Jim for all you do for us each and everyday.
Jim: Hey Bob. Appreciate you taking the time. I've been impressed with Nick. I actually wrote a story on him that posted yesterday. CLICK HERE to check in out.
Jason Petty from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hey there Jim! I hope all is well with you and your family. I wanted to ask about how you personally see Keldric Faulk progressing thus far in camp? In all of your 10 observation reports, and other articles/stories you've written, I personally only remember 1 time seeing him mentioned. Is he dealing with a nagging injury, still just learning the defense/playbook, or just coming along nicely? I personally think Keldric has that old Jevon Kearse ceiling if not a mix of the Vanden Bosch motor with Kearse instincts. Hoping to see him set new team records. Thanks for reading and any insight you can give. Have a great week, stay cool & hydrated, and GO TITANS!!!
Jim: Hey Jason. Keldric is a physical specimen. D-line coach Aaron Whitecotton was raving about his commitment, and effort to keep improving, just the other day. Keldric has flashed in camp, but these preseason games will tell us a lot more.
Enjoy the game everyone!
