NASHVILLE – Two preseason games down, one to go.
The Titans wrap up the preseason on Friday against the Vikings at Nissan Stadium.
After that, roster cuts and the regular season will be on the horizon.
I want to thank everyone for all the kind words following my dad's passing last Monday.
It's been a tough week, I can't lie, but I sincerely appreciate the support.
We're back in here now with another Titans mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Eli Decko from Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. I'm really sorry about your father passing on. My first Titans game was NYE, VY vs Brady in Nashville with my Dad. One of my greatest memories. I love the Titans and I'm sorry my emails have been so down lately. I promise I'll be more positive and inquisitive from now on. I'm sorry to give you headaches and I'm a long time reader, fan, and contributor to the mail bag. I owe you that. #TitanUp
Jim: Appreciate it, Eli. And I appreciate you always taking part in this mailbag. My dad loved the Titans, by the way. He had season tickets in Section 133, and was an original PSL holder. In recent years he went using a walker, and then a wheelchair. He rarely missed a game. I've been to hundreds and hundreds of Vanderbilt sporting events with my dad. But I never got to sit with my dad at a Titans game, because I've always been in the press box, and he always sat in the stands. Never watched a game with him either, because he watched at home, and I was on the road covering the games. When my dad was in his final days, I flew home from Tampa and was with him for the Titans-Buccaneers preseason game. It was the first time I'd missed a game in 25 years, and it was the first time I was with him for a Titans game. He passed away the next night. I always called my dad after every game to discuss what he thought. I'm going to really miss making those calls.
Jon Kerlikowske from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, first and foremost so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I lost mine last year and some things will never feel the same. Best wishes to you and your family.
My question is about the waiver claim process. Currently the Titans have 1st priority, how long does their 1st priority last.
Jim: Thanks, Jon. He was a great dad. I'm really going to miss him.
As for the waiver claim process, the Titans will keep first priority though the weekend of Week 3 of the regular season, so through the September 23 Indianapolis game. Expect the team to be very active here over the next month.
Chris Yorkey from Union Springs, New York
Question: Hi Jim. First and foremost, our hearts go out to you and your family for the loss of your Dad. Words can't really express...so I'll leave it at that.
Not so much a question, but more an observation. Besides the memorable years of Steve McNair and flashes by Vince Young, Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill, the excitement around this year and our new QB Cam Ward brings me back to the Warren Moon days! And sharing the #1 jersey, how cool is that! Like you, I'm not going to get all caught up in the number of wins we think we can achieve, or the pass/fail criteria of our offense and ESPECIALLY any talk of playoffs! Don't get me wrong; a winning record and a playoff game would be absolutely amazing, but we all have to temper our enthusiasm until we see what type of team we actually put on the field this year. Many signs point to improvement over last year which is encouraging. We all need that for sure !
OK, I'll close with a question after all, among all of the changes would you agree one of the big shockers was letting Ryan Stonehouse go? Time will tell, but that may have been a real mistake. He was a generational talent at the position for us.
Jim: Thank you, Chris. I hear ya on the renewed excitement with a new QB. Cam has brought excitement, and he's reenergized the fan base. … As for Stonehouse, he was one of my favorites. A great guy, strong leg. What the coaching staff is looking for – more directional punting, hang time, etc. – fits Johnny Hekker better.
E.M. McFarland from San Diego, California
Question: Good to see Titans look better. Did not get 28 going on ground first half compared to last week.
What the heck is the plan to turn special teams around this year? Titans continue to be one of the most (if not the worst) penalized special teams units in the league.
Do you think we will see full complement of starters next week for at least a series or two?
Jim: Hey E.M. I'm not going to judge this team much based on the preseason. A lot of back-ups are playing, they're not game-planning, and you'll see different guys out there Week 1. As for the starters, they'll play some in the preseason finale, but I can't see them playing a whole lot. Coach Callahan will provide more details later in the week.
Pamela Saldana from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Jim, I heard you lost your Dad. I'm so sorry. May God comfort you through His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Jim: Thank you, Pamela.
Jason Petty from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: I hope you're all staying cool in this incredibly HOT weather! Watching the game against the Falcons I see A LOT to be optimistic about, and A LOT to still work on. But I would just like to say a thank you for the analyst tonight FINALLY throwing you a shout out for your AMAZING team coverage, and ALL you do for us fans! So from the analyst, to us fans Jim. THANK YOU!!!! #TITANUP #WYATTSWISDOM
Jim: Appreciate it, Jason.
Tyler Jensen from Grants Pass, Oregon
Question: Titan up jim! I will be attending the Seahawks game in November in honor of my late grandfather who was a huge Hawks fan (poor guy). My question is it will be my 6 year old son's first titans game and I wanna make it memorable for him. Is there anyway to maybe get a couple of the guys to sign something if we get there early... I know last time I was there security wouldnt let us in the section where the players were signing stuff pre game ... anyway we can make something happen for the little guy?! As always TITAN UP
Jim: Hey Tyler. That should be a great trip. I always tell people to get to the stadium early – gates open two hours before kickoff – and try and get in the lower end of the section, close to the tunnel where players come and go in pregame. That really is your best bet. Safe travels.
David Hayakawa from Honolulu, Hawaii
Question: Aloha Jim! Been a fan since Earl Campbell and then Mariota. I think Cam will be good and we will have a solid improved year, especially if Sneed can return and be a true #1 corner. Last and this year's draft classes look terrific, especially given GM Robinson's draft disasters. With another solid draft class next year we can be regular playoff contenders.
My question is: It is frustrating not to be able to listen (1st choice) or watch (2nd choice) Titans games here in Hawaii. FYI, most games start at 7am. What is most cost effective way to listen and watch the games? Any special deals if I already have certain streaming services or credit cards? Titan Up!
Jim: Aloha David. I appreciate your efforts, but you've got me on this one. If any other folks have suggestions, drop them in here and I'll use in an upcoming mailbag.
Have a great week everyone!
