NASHVILLE – We've made it to the end of August.
After a weekend of college football, the NFL kicks off next weekend – with the Titans traveling to Denver to take on the Broncos.
Let's knock out a quick Titans mailbag heading into Labor Day weekend.
When we're back, it will be game week.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Jonathan Martinez from Kansas City, Kansas
Question: Hi Jim. Curious about what you think of the injury list we have. Any drag into the season for some of these guys getting banged up from training camp, etc? Sneed and Cushenberry back is great, but I worry about injuries year after year as they seem to increase throughout the league. Any speculation on injuries you can speak on from what you might be hearing over there? How worried are you when it comes to key players and injuries?
PS - Sick of title town KC speak, yet respect them for the wins. Hoping Borgonzi can bring some magic to our side. Hoping for a great season no matter the outcome here.
Titan up.
Jim: Hey Jonathan. I think things are trending in the right direction from an injury standpoint. L'Jarius Sneed has looked good in back-to-back weeks, Lloyd Cushenberry appears to be on track to return, and Calvin Ridley is back practicing as well. Same for T'Vondre Sweat, who is going to have to work himself back into good condition. JC Latham didn't practice this week, but Coach Callahan seems to be optimistic about him as well. The only thing we know now is Tyjae Spears won't be available. I'm thinking Kalel Mullings and Kevin Winston are going to be questionable for Week One as well.
Aiden Green from Carrollton, Ohio
Question: Hi Jim, this is my first time submitting a question for you. First I wanted to say you're one of my big inspirations for pursuing a career in sports journalism, and I love hearing your takes and news about the Titans.
My question is: Do you think Cody Barton has what it takes to become one a standout linebackers this season? I know in the past he hasn't had the greatest stats in his time with Seattle and Denver, I've often been told he's nothing special. However after seeing how hard he's worked and how well he's performed in camp I can't help but feel like he's going to be something special. Also, with all our new additions, rookies, free agents, etc. Do you think our defensive additions have what it takes to build a defense that can build off last year and create more turnovers? We struggled tremendously even though we had the 2nd least allowed yards, I believe If our guys can get their hands on the ball it will make a huge difference.
I love the way your team looks, we have so many young guys with a lot of potential as well as some good veterans with plenty of experience to teach them. I'm mostly excited to see how Ridley and Lockett can help Ayomanor and Dike (and hopefully Restrepo) develop into solid receivers. As well as Dre'mont Jones and Arden Key helping build up Femi Oladejo, and I'm hoping Winston is able to come back soon because I believe he could become a starter if Woods and Diggs don't work out. Thanks for everything you do, Titan Up.
Jim: Hey Aiden. I really appreciate the kind words. And thanks for submitting your first question in here.
I've been very impressed with Cody. When the team first signed him, I was familiar with his career. He'd been durable, and productive, at his previous stops. With the Titans, on top of him having a solid offseason, he's also been such a great guy from a leadership standpoint. I expect him to be really good on the field as well. … As for the defense, there has been such a big point of emphasis on creating turnovers, and I counted 13 interceptions in the nine open training camp practices in Nashville. … Appreciate you following along, Aiden.
Richard Reyna from Choctow, Oklahoma
Question: Hi Jim I read an article on SI on August 16th by Scott Salomon.
On Cam Ward Being Mismanaged By Titans
Coaches. Callahan is not giving Cam enough snaps in preseason to get ready for the opener. They need to let him fly with the play action short passes to open up the offense and play book. That's Cam's bread and butter especially to Xavier Restrepo among others. They need to let him play the game like he did in college. On the article I couldn't agree with it more. Jim what's your take on this and the article?
Jim: It's a silly take in my opinion, Richard. You think the Titans wanted to give away how they plan to use Ward in the preseason? Let's see how things go in the regular season. I guess my biggest take on that article is when I looked up Scott Salomon, who wrote the story, it's incredible how much he resembles Paul Shaffer, David Letterman's long-time sidekick. Just an uncanny resemblance.
Vernon Johnson from Suffolk, Virginia
Question: Hello Jim, I love the job you do keeping us out of town fans informed. I read your articles every day. My question is during the cut down process what is the difference between being waived and being released? Thanks for all of your hard work.!!
Jim: Hey Vernon. This really hinges on how much experience a player has in the NFL. Veteran players who have at least four accrued seasons are "released" and they become free agents, free to sign with any team. Players with less than four years of experience are waived, and subject to waivers.
John Wyatt from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Jim, just curious if we might be related somehow. My dad was from Calico, Rock Arkansas, and was in the Air Force so we moved a lot. We now are retired in Miramar Beach Florida, but still follow the Titans. I actually flew on the Titans jet with you several times many years ago when Coach Fisher was there. A friend of mine was a sponsor for the team.
Jim: Hey John. I don't have any family in Arkansas, at least that I'm aware of. My grandfather grew up in Nashville, in the Sylvan Park area. So did my dad. I appreciate you reaching out. It sounds like we've crossed paths over the years.
Dan Baird from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I like the look of our 53-man roster, and hope that nobody else sees value in Restrepo and Kinsey and they stay on the taxi squad.
Hope another edge guy might show up, as we have the first pick off waivers.
Was at the final preseason game and I can't wait for the season to start.
Saw Cam look unsettled in the first drive, then looked like he belonged after that.
He's got a few games for the "game to slow down" for him. I'm hopeful it's pre bye week. All rookies look overwhelmed until they have that magic moment.
Hope the fans remember where he's at developmentally. Zero "gloves off" defenses so far. Will it make him look like a rookie? I'm sure it will, and patience is mandatory from the fans, himself, teammates, and staff.
I think he's got a shot at being "that guy".
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Dan.
Kilroy Caldwell from Blues Hill, Tennessee
Question: Corey Levin? Not keeping him on the roster? I know, it's a young mans game, but you need steady, veteran play at center with Lloyd on the backside of his career, I would just have thought it would be smart to keep a good, proven backup. I know there is no way you can answer this question, but I hope someone gives Corey a chance, there's still gas in that tank.
Jim: Not sure if you saw, but Corey Levin is back – he was signed to the practice squad. I anticipate him being in uniform in Week One in Denver, as one of the gameday elevations. Corey is going to be in the mix this season, one way or the other. Corey had a great camp, and he's a reliable guy. The coaches and GM value him.
John Tso from Mt Juliet, Tennessee
Question: Why would the titans avoid signing a pass rusher post PRESEASON Cuts? I assume that there must be a planned veteran fa pass rusher signing to be announced. Also. I am guessing that there must be planned trades upcoming due to the abundance of OL on our roster.
Jim: Hey John. We'll see what happens moving forward. The edge rush position is definitely an area that's going to above to step, with guys needing to produce for the defense to be good.
Bob Easley from Austin, Texas
Question: Hey Jim, as I saw the news of the cuts and waivers and the 17 man practice squad, a question came to mind that I'd never thought of. As the practice squad tries to mimic the opposing teams plays and formations etc., 17 guys don't seem to be enough…minimally it seems you would need 11 on offense and 11 on defense! = 22 guys. Do other non starters from the 53 man roster also line up with the practice squad or do some practice squad guys go both ways? How does it work/look in the week before a game as the practice squad runs the opposing teams plays without a full compliment of players? Sincere thanks.
Jim: Hey Bob. Fair question. But keep in mind more than just the practice squad guys work on the scout team. Non-starters find themselves working with the scout team as well. And yes, there are occasions where players have worked on offense and defense.
Steve Ochoa from Havasu Lake, California
Question: What year did the Titans play their first game as the titans 1999 or 1997 , or a different year ..???
Jim: The first year of the Titans was 1999. The first year in Tennessee, as the Tennessee Oilers, was 1997.
Have a great weekend everyone!
