NASHVILLE – It was another long Sunday for the Titans.
Which doesn't make for a great Tuesday mailbag.
Titans fans weren't happy with the team's 38-14 loss to the Colts, and understandably so.
Some found reasons for optimism, others not so much.
Let's dive in and see all the questions/comments…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
EM McFarland from San Diego, California
Question: Leave it to the Titans to save a few dollars and replenish the rest of the league with quality. How much are Titans saving this year by giving away Roger McCreary? Pretty sure you cannot carry over any salary cap surplus.
Seems penny wise and pound foolish to me.
Jim: Hey EM. The trade had nothing to do with saving money. It was about building draft capital for next year's draft. I know a lot of folks didn't like the trade, because I got a ton of emails about it, and a lot of feedback on Twitter. I liked Roger McCreary myself. He was always available, he's a good guy, and he made some plays. But he wasn't coming back in 2026 because his contract was up after this year. So, the Titans got what they could get for him now. That ended up being moving up in next year's draft in a swap of picks. I've seen some folks suggest it was for a measly 8-10 spots. This is not true. The Titans are set to get LA's fifth-round pick, which will be close to the top of the round since it was the pick the Titans previously traded away, and it's my understanding the Rams get the worst of Tennessee's three sixth-round picks, closer to the end of the round. So, it's a much better pick in return, and it shortens the gap between picks. I'm not trying to sell this like the Titans fleeced the Rams, because, again, I like McCreary and we're talking about draft picks for players who may or may not develop into good players. And, I can't help but wonder what this depleted secondary is going to look like in the last nine games of the season. But when this season ends and we're all talking about the 2026 NFL Draft, the Titans will have a much better pick, and ammo for trades in the draft. And the only way things are going to get better around here is if the team drafts well.
Peter Tsomides from Saco, Maine
Question: Hey Jim. I really like everything you do here about and allow everybody to vent on you. I did see your interview here in Maine when you were on the patriot show prior to that game and you did a great job there too. I guess my question is do you think that The Titans should just part ways with everyone at this point and start from scratch I mean, do you think they should even change which member of the Adams family is the controlling owner in there or is it as simple as getting rid of Mike Borgonzi and starting from there? It seems like every firing is done backwards when you get rid of a coach that's fine if you keep the general manager, but if you're gonna get rid of the general manager, bring in a new coach, then bring in a general manager nothing is ever in line. What is this team gonna look like in one year in two years in five years? Is there a plan? It doesn't seem it would do any good to go through a whole hiring process and bring in another coach and then find out a year down the road that the GM must go again. Thank you for all you do
Jim: I appreciate it, Peter. I admit, it's been challenging doing these mailbags lately. The team has been bad, and I'm not going to deny it. But I also know I can't be too over-the-top critical because I work for the team. If I'm calling for folks to get fired in here, they'll probably find someone else to do this mailbag. So, I try to be honest and fair in answering these questions, while letting fans vent. The fact people keep writing in shows they care, even if they're mad about the state of the team. The day I open up my inbox and the only one is from a Nigerian prince wanting money, it means folks have completely lost interest. As for changes, you can't part ways with everybody. We all agree it's a mess right now, in part because of some bad hires and controversial firings. Borgonzi was hired to get this thing fixed, and it's going to take time. He knew he wasn't taking over a Super Bowl-caliber roster, and what's happening now is not his fault. Heck, he just got here nine months ago. The owner wants to win, believe me, and if she didn't, she wouldn't be firing folks in an attempt to get things right. Good decisions made by folks she's hired, or will hire, in key positions is what needs to happen for the outlook, and results, to change. That includes Borgonzi, Chad Brinker, the future head coach, and others. Thanks for writing in.
Jon Kerlikowske from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim! After the Roger McCreary trade it spurred me to take a hard look at our roster. I was surprised we did not get more for him and Brownlee, so it made me wonder what the league thinks of the Titans roster. From 2016-2023 the Titans drafted 58 players, only 7 are still on the Titans roster, 12%! Of the 51 no longer on our roster, only 10 are currently on other rosters. Quick math tells us 41 of 58 players drafted by the Titans are not playing in the NFL. This is a big reason our roster is so shallow in talent. With trade deadline looming, what is the process a front office goes through to offer its players for trade, and how do they set their trade value? Wishing our Titans world was in better shape, regardless I'll be in my seat for the Chargers cheering for our team.
Jim: Hey Jon. Good research, and some pretty alarming numbers for sure. I think the trade value is, in part, determined by what teams are offering. I'll admit, I didn't love the Jarvis Brownlee Jr. trade myself. But I don't think for a second the team traded him without surveying the rest of the league, before learning it wasn't going to get much in return. So, the decision was made to move on, because he wasn't deemed a great culture fit moving forward. I think with the trade deadline approaching, this team is going to continue to try and find ways to improve next year's draft. It could mean another trade or two is on the horizon, but maybe nothing materializes. We'll see. Remember, this team is going to have to be able to play nine more games this year. See ya Sunday.
Ted Sparks from Bluefield, West Virginia
Question: No offense, I am a diehard Titan fan. I was a Warren Moon and Earl Campbell I Houston Oilers. Cam Ward is a decent quarterback. Are we trying to take this year because he is not doing anything like he did in college? We have good receivers and you can't blame it on the line. Need to put Allen in and see if we can win some games or the coach just needs to just say, OK Cam Ward do your thing like you did in college because I am not impressed of what he's doing and the head coach job. I wish they would go after Groden.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Ted. I will never sign off on the idea of sitting Cam. I am on board with the idea of turning him loose more myself.
Joseph Waldrup from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: After last season, I was hoping to see meaningful improvement to the Titans in terms of overall play, blocking, tackling, play calling, receivers getting open, etc. I didn't expect the team to look worse. At this point, what are the positives that you see in this team now that can bleed over to next season—besides new coaches?
Jim: Hey Joseph. It hasn't been pretty, you're right. I think the draft class should give you something to feel good about, especially the receivers – Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor. Gunnar Helm is a good player, and Kevin Winston Jr. will in time prove to be a stud. I think Cam is going to keep improving. Cedric Gray is a bright spot, Jeffery Simmons is arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL. The team has pieces, it just needs a lot more of them on both sides of the football. Seeing Borgonzi's draft class from his first year should give you some hope
Chris Allen from Houston, Texas
Question: A 1-6 teams punts the ball on 4th and 3 from like territory against nfl top offense. Right on que the defense quits the next play. Didn't we just pay Amani Hooker lots of money to make simple plays? We fire a coach for poor decisions the next one makes the same decisions. I really have to ask are we honestly trying to win? I have watched this team since 1992- it's just unwatchable sadly. Poor product.
Jim: The team is trying to win, Chris. It's just not very good.
Landon Good from Toledo, Ohio
Question: How funny was it seeing that head coach punt on 4th and 4, thinking he was making a "smart" decision. Then proceeds to see the punt go into the end zone. Touchback. Followed by an 80 yard run.
Bro. We are 1-6. Wouldn't have even been a huge gamble.
Wasn't this guy already a failure as a head coach? Seriously, where do the titans find these guys.
Thought process: wow, this guy was never great. Let's put him as our leader
Jim: It was actually 4th and 3, Landon.
Cindy Pendergrass from Cleveland, Ohio
Question: Hi Jim, thank you for all you do. Cam Ward did a lot of trash talking during training camp. I bet he doesn't now. I feel he came in so cocky and overconfident. I had hope but I knew he would have growing pains. I didn't realize how bad. Is it really the play calling or just a weak o line and average qb? Thank you so much. I learn a lot from your answers.
Jim: Thanks for writing in, and reading, Cindy. I promise you don't want Cam losing his confidence, or edge. The kid is busting it, and he's doing his best to inspire those around him. When I look on the field on Sundays, he's one of the guys I know is giving it everything he has to win. Cam has to be better, but the Titans are going to need to be better around him.
Lisa Hastings from Madison, Tennessee
Question: Jim, why does the Titans organization spend so much money on old vets like Sneed that haven't done anything since they joined the team. Sneed has let receivers just blow past him and not halfway defending them and they run for the touchdown. Kinda a waste of money and time. It's almost embarrassing and it should fit Sneed. Hopefully they can recover some of their losses from him when they get rid of him because I hope they don't plan on keeping him.
Jim: Hi Lisa. The Sneed trade hasn't worked out, there's no way around it. I'll be surprised if we see him again this season, and it also wouldn't surprise me if we never see him in a Titans uniform again. That's just me, without any intel from anyone. Those decisions are made above my pay grade.
Johnny Ray from Dickinson, Texas
Question: Howdy Jim. Right after that inexcusable coaching decision the game blew open all started with one nightmare decision. How many games will the team be embarrassed because of coaching?
This season every time bad coaching or a bad offense happens at a certain point we give up a long rushing td happens over and over again. Is it a team that gives up?
Jim: Hey Johnny. I wouldn't say this is a team that gives up. I'd just say this isn't very good.
Adrian Lopez from Caracas, Venezuela
Question: Hey Jim, te compadezco nadie merece un trabajo donde se tenga que defender lo indefendible y explicar lo que nadie entiende... La organizaci�n est� totalmente disfuncional y simplemente el producto que ponen en el campo es malo... Pueden mejorar en lo que resta de a�o? Solo desarrollar�n a ja clase 2025 pero la reconstrucci�n no ha empezado todav�a porque este a�o se perdi� desde que dejamos a Callahan... Lo m�s emocionante de esta temporada ser� el offseason.... Lamento no tener ninguna expectativa positiva hoy... Se hace muy dif�cil ser un Tit�n en esta �poca
Jim: No te preocupes por mí, Adrián. Amo mi trabajo. ¿Me gustaría que el equipo fuera mejor? Sí, perder apesta y se está volviendo viejo. Aguanta ahí. Creo que mejorará con el tiempo.
Matthew Colony from Oroville, California
Question: Hey Jim! This season has been tough to watch. But I never give up on my team. Neither does Cam Ward and that's why I think he is going to be great for us in the future. My question is about the Running Back situation though. Pollard has looked extremely ineffective this season. While Spears has looked fast and explosive with his opportunities. I really feel like it's time to let Spears take the lions share of offensive snaps. It's really hard to get a drive going when Pollard runs right into the first defensive lineman he sees on first and/or second down. What are your thoughts on the situation??
Jim: Hey Matthew. At this point, I'm all about giving young guys, and others, a chance. Pollard is another guy who plays hard. Spears brings more juice, but can he take the pounding if you give him the ball 20 times a game? I'm not so sure. I think you still have to play them both, but I'd like to see Spears more myself.
Joe Arcudi from Merrimack, New Hampshire
Question: This is amazing. It is one thing to lose Jim, but they get absolutely destroyed every week. Has to be as bad of an NFL roster that we have seen in the league for a while. We have all seen a lot of bad teams over the years, but most are at least somewhat competitive. Gonna be a loooooong road back to relevance.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Joe.
Giancarlo Esposito from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: I am a long time Titans fan and a season ticket holder since they came to Nashville. I watch them each week as painful as it is. First, Cam is playing great. His throws are money. Even the ball down the field to Elic Ayomanor would have been on target if Ayomanor did not slow down in the middle of his route. Cam is a winner. If he was on a real team, he would be in the rookie of the year competition and people would not be criticizing him at all. He cannot do it all himself. Those who say Levis is better suffer from recency bias in reverse. Levis lost his job because of one unimaginable bone head play after another. Second, what in the heck is McCoy doing? Callahan was the worst but this guy's decisions are cowardice. Not calling time outs at the end of the first half. Not going for it on 4th and short? He is coaching like the playoffs are on the line instead of coaching a 1-7 team going nowhere. It makes no sense. I just watched him punt on 4th and 3 at midfield and Taylor broke a 80 yards touchdown on the next play. Just inexplicable. Third, please stop with the percentages of making the playoffs. The Titans were obviously not making the playoffs after week 3. We will likely not win a game the rest of the year. You would be better off giving our percentages for the number 1 pick. Indeed, 3 of our opponents in the last 3 weeks either said the Titans were totally unmotivated, unprepared or the worst team they had seen in 25 years. Eddie George himself said the decisions this organization have made has set us back a decade or more. But there is hope with Cam, Dike, Ayomanor and a few others. We just need a real professional Head Coach who knows what he is doing, and another good draft or three. Oh, and finally, I will join the chorus and say, let's give X Restrepo a chance! Love your mailbag Jim.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Giancarlo.
Bob Galasso from Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim. Another blowout loss, but I think everyone saw this coming. I'm sure you'll get alot of negative press in the mailbag, so I just wanted to add some positivity. Cam made some mistakes and once again took too many sacks, but looked a lot better in this game, against a Colts defense that is very quick and good.
His connection with Dike, Helm and Ayomanor continues to build a bright future for the team. I really wish they would give Xavier Restrepo the opportunity at least for one game. I think the connection he had with Cam previously in college would pay off and at this point it couldn't hurt.
Either way I'm a die-hard Oilers / Titans fan since 1978 and still bleeding Titan Blue. Thanks Jim!
Jim: Hey Bob. Thanks for writing in. There were some positive moments on Sunday, it's just hard to feel too good about any of it as bad as the games have gone overall. I get the frustration from the fans, because it's been a brutal stretch. I applaud you for managing to stay positive.
Peter Palmer from Miramar, Florida
Question: Hi Jim. In the 47 years I've been an Oilers Titans fan this is the worst I've seen the team play. Difficult to watch. My comment today is Cam Ward is certainly not the quarterback of the future. The way he reacted in his last interview session with reporters referencing to play calls, asking if they know the meanings. Seems to me these play calls are difficult for him to retain why so many excuses and errors on the field. I know our offensive line is not the best but he certainly contributes a lot to our offensive failures. Titan up !
Jim: Your interpretation of what happened in that interview session is way off, Peter. Cam was having fun, it was a light moment. There are plenty of other things to be upset about, so not sure why you're focusing on this.
Sean Kelley from Smyrna, Delaware
Question: Hi Jim. I thought Cam played well.
The 3 rookies WR/TE out there making plays with Spears and Chig (hope they resign)
I have to admit that my 8-9 record… is looking tough to achieve but let's not give up yet!!
Sunday is a great example on why you do not trade Simmons.
Jim: Just trying to help you with your expectations, Sean: This team is not going to finish 8-9.
Daniel Braden from Kentucky
Question: Hello Jim. I have been following the Titans since they drafted Will Levis as I am a long time Kentucky fan and loved the fact that he was drafted so close to home. I will say that I don't feel that he got a fair shake with the Titan fan base due to the fact that he played for UK and most fans are Tennessee fans and can't separate the two for whatever reason. My question what are the chances that the Titans will trade him as I would love to have him on team's roster (Dolphins)? P.S. I really enjoy reading your work I wish you worked for the Dolphins thank you.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Daniel. Will needs to get healthy first, and then we'll see what happens. I do agree Will came into a tough situation, but he also didn't help matters with some of the mistakes he made.
Jeffro Crisman from Dover, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim hope all is well with you and thanks for all you do for keeping the true fans updated. I don't really have a question but more a suggestion. It might be too late in the season to find a new head coach but never too late to get some wins. I want to nominate my head coach Charlie Jr Romo to be the next head coach and lead the Titans to a Super Bowl the team is rebuilding and he knows how to work with the young men please put his name in the hat.
Jim: I'll pass this along, Jeffro.
Sam Bingham from Tuscon, Arizona
Question: Hi Jim , been writing you all season it hurts been a fan most of my adult life. Went to the game in Phoenix when it probably be their only win for the season. This Organization has never received any kind of respect because not one Monday night Football game or a Thursday night game. I hope the owners understand that there are a lot of Titans fans out here who still hold their faith high in their team but when will it be our time again? Maybe bring back Jeff Fisher so we can go back to the Super Bowl.
Jim: Hey Sam. You have to earn respect, and prime time appearances. The Titans don't deserve to be playing in primetime right now, and I'm sure the rest of the country is glad they didn't get one. Heck, a lot of games these games have been tougher to watch than 9-1-1: Nashville. The Titans have to find a way to make the product better, and that's a work in progress. Also, Jeff Fisher is not coming through that door.
Chuck Rhoten from Kingsport, Tennessee
Question: Hopefully the Titans can trade Sneed, Key, Ridley, Moore Jr, and a couple of others. This team is just bad. They cannot tackle, cover, or stop the run on defense. On offense they are just as bad, the line is awful, the play calling is predictable and bad. The entire organization should be embarrassed. I don't see that this team can be fixed in one year. They need to get the right coach and system for next year. New offensive scheme and defensive. McCarthy or Nagy is not the right coach for this team. I think this might be one of the worst teams in the franchise history. Jim do you think they need to sit some of the older players and see what you have it some of the younger ones. I think we drafted a big OL I say give him a chance. I don't understand why Ward doesn't run more. He had some wide open lanes to run but threw incomplete passes. Jim are they working with him to run?
Jim: Hey Chuck. I think Cam will get a better feel for running. I like the fact he wants to stay in the pocket and find receivers instead of wanting to take off all the time. Could be run more? Yes, and I do agree there are occasions when it would help.
Martin Benitez from Montevideo, Uruguay
Question: Hola Jim como estas? Acaba de terminar el partido y me gustaria despejar algunas dudas, ya que soy fan de Titans desde el 2015 y rmas alla que entiendo lo basico y un poco mas del juego en general, recien desde el año pasado y este año estoy tratando de entender mejor el juego en la parte de coaching, jugadas, reglas, etc. Desde la temporada pasada cuando empezo Callahan, empeze a darme cuenta que al igual que, por ejemplo, el futbol soccer (del cual si se bastante mas ya que aqui es el deporte numero uno), lo equipos generalmente cuando van perdiendo, sacan a relucir una especie temple especial (aca le decimos "garra") vendria a ser una especie de inyeccion de "stamina", lo que hace a los equipos jugar con una agresividad extra, que muchas veces incluso los ayuda a dar vuelta resultados adversos, mi pregunta es: porque no aplicar mas seguido eso? desde el año pasado veo al equipo como "desinflado", y no digo que no tengan ganas de ganar partidos, al contrario, pero como que falta esa "chispa"... lo veo en otros equipos, al estar abajo en el marcador sacan esa "stamina" extra que los hace ganar yardas, marcar, etc, y lamentablemente no veo eso en los Titans, aunque en algunos jugadores veo algo parecido, el equipo en general esta como frenado o contenido, como si no los dejaran hacer eso de "apurar" las jugadas y ganar yardas o anotar llevandose al equipo contrario mas que jugando bien, jugando con actitud. Esto es un tema de coaching??
Mi otra duda, porque seguimos jugando con tanto miedo??? Lo hacia Callahan, y lo sigue haciendo McCoy, puedo llegar a entender lo de Brian por una cuestion de no arriesgar demasiado por ua cuestion de mantener su puesto, pero lo de McCoy?? No tiene sentido ser tan conservador, no tiene nada que perder, es un headcoach interino en un equipo en plena reconstruccion y con un record de solo un partido ganado, no entiendo por que no jugarsela en 4ta y corto. En otro momento cuando decidio patear un gol de campo en lugar de buscar el primer down, cuando vi a Slye a punto de patear, vi las banderas moverse por el viento y vi que los Colts pidieron tiempo fuera, pense en voz alte "va a fallar"... segundos despues la pelota se estaba yendo al menos 2 yardas a la derecha del poste. la pregunta es: Estamos tankeando la temporada ya abiertamente, o jugamos asi sencillamente por miedo del staff de coaches??
Y lo ultimo, supongo que sera una locura hacer algo asi, pero es muy descabellado deshacerse de por ejemplo todos los jugadores +30, y poner a jugar a todos los rookies?? Creo que a esta altura no hay nada que perder, y seria una buena oportunidad de darle experiencia a jugadores que van a ser la base del equipo en el futuro, algunos titulares y otros dando solidez al roster. Porque no usar, por ejemplo, a Restrepo... Ayomanor y Dike, junto con Helm... de todos modos con los demas solo ganamos 1 partido.
Un abrazo grande desde Uruguay, y siempre Titan Up!!
Jim: Hola Martín. Es difícil tener valor cuando estás perdiendo. Si los Titans ganan algunos juegos, creo que verán más entusiasmo. No me gustó la decisión de patear y me gustaría que el equipo fuera más agresivo. ¿Qué tiene que perder el equipo? Estamos de acuerdo en esto. Gracias por el apoyo de Uruguay y creo que cumplirás tu deseo de ver jugar a más jugadores jóvenes.
Jack Walker from Calabasas, Calfornia
Question: Hey Jim, no negativity today! I continue to be impressed by Chimere Dike. The first few weeks we saw the kick/punt return talent... And the last few weeks he's looking like a potential NFL quality WR2... Obviously the bright part of the 25 draft. Other than that, I got nothing Jim.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Jack.
Quinn Leftkovitz from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim this is Quinn. My question is about how the titans line has been so far this year. OUR LINE IS STILL NOT PRODUCTIVE. We paid to get two high level lineman in Zeitler and Dan Moore and they have not helped at all. Should the Titans should start Jackson Slater over one of them? Jackson slater was one of my favorite prospects coming into the draft. So what do you think about Jackson slater, do you think he's ready. Thank you Jim for every thing you do. P.S let's make Eddie George our head coach next year.
Jim: I think the o-line has been OK. I'll be honest: I expected better. I think at some point Jackson Slater could get a shot, but I don't see the team benching any of the starting five soon. The goal is for these guys to be on the field together – the starting five hasn't spent much time together all season – and for the group to get better, and find consistency. I don't foresee Eddie George being the head coach next year.
Have a great week everyone!
