NASHVILLE – The Titans put forth a valiant effort on Sunday, only to come up short.
The team's 43-36 overtime loss to the Bengals left some encouraged, and others discouraged after another potential win got away.
We're now at the bye week, with plenty of questions.
Let's dive into it all in this Tuesday's mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Cesar Aguirre from Dallas, Texas
Question: Hats off to that defense playing without Simmons. But Cam Ward needs to finish this game. Come on only 30 yards in 1 minute with 3 timeouts against the Bengals defense? What a disappointment to all Titans.
I think we traded the wrong player. We should have traded the number 1 pick for two first round picks two years ago. Now we have to trade our best player in hopes of correcting our mistakes.
Jim: It was a missed opportunity for sure, Cesar. Teams are finishing these last-minute drives, and winning games, like this every week. We've seen it happen twice to the Titans. So, as encouraging as some parts of that game were on Sunday, it was another loss. Time will tell on how both these trades play out. Everyone knows Simmons is a great player, even if it seems like a lot of folks hadn't been paying attention until last night. Let's see of Cam can carry over the improvement from the Bengals game into the second half of the season.
Andy Brown from Leeds, England
Question: Hey again Jim! I read the weekend's mailbag about big Jeff and I'm torn as well, love the guy, what a player but 2 first round picks is a lot for a team that need 6-8 key players.
I for the first time felt positive about Cam's play this weekend, they seemed to give him the chance to air the ball and while not perfect (OT play calls were dire) scoring 36 points is exciting and can't be sniffed at. Can't help but think we'd have won that game with big Jeff.
As for next year I think we badly need a OT and DT upgrade as well as possibly a true x factor consistent RB, i like Pollard but he is inconsistent albeit I actually think hes playing well last 2-3 weeks.
Do you think we might trade down to get even more picks? Let's be honest we are going to have a top 3 pick this year! Is it too early to tell? Or is there an absolute x factor you'd take at the drop of a hat?
As hard as it is i still keep believing one day we'll be back at the playoffs!
Jim: Hey Andy. I know a lot of mixed emotions surround the Simmons trade, just because of how well respected he's always been with the fans. Yes, the picks have value, but you have to pick the right players and we'll have to wait and see how that goes. Watching the Bears on Monday night, heck, that pick could end of being in the late 20s, or in the 30s. Cam was better on Sunday, but he'll need to do it again, and again and again. I liked the play-calling better myself, but have to admit there were a few head-scratching calls. Didn't like the draw play in the end zone that resulted in a safety, I'll admit, though overall I thought the OC had a pretty creative plan. Way too early for draft predictions – we still have no idea when the team will pick, and all the players who will be available.
Thomas Yates from Ashland City Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim, Titans played their hearts today. I noticed there were injuries during the game but the announcers only listed Bengals injuries and not Tennessee injuries on CBS. That is disappointing to say the least. Two offensive line players had left the game… Skoronski and Latham. If I'm mistaken, I apologize. Can you give an update for some concerned fans? Greatly appreciate your efforts.
Jim: Hey Thomas. Skoronski suffered a hamstring injury, Latham a finger injury. It remains to be seen how much time they'll miss, but having the bye week coming up helps.
Chris Berry from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: What in the world do we have to do to win a game?
100-yard rusher: check
No thrown interceptions: check
FOUR FORCED TURNOVERS
Seriously, we force 4 turnovers on defense and can't win a game? How many games in modern NFL history has a team that created 4 turnovers not won the game? I know we have a young team and still need some additional talent, but I'm really doubting our coaching staff's ability to put it together.
Jim: Well, the Titans can't turn the ball over, commit penalties, and give up 500 yards on defense – those things will get you beat. The Titans did some things well, and the play of the offense was encouraging. But they also, once again, did just enough to get themselves beat.
Raymond Farrar from St. Louis, Missouri
Question: Hey Jim! I wanted to wait until after the Bengals game to send you a letter. And I'm glad that I did! Yes, they lost, but what a game! Ward, Pollard, Hooker among others proved that there is life after Simmons. I really do believe that before this season is over, people are going to be looking at the Titans in a different way, meaning positively. Your thoughts?
Jim: Hey Raymond. I think this team has a chance to finish the year with momentum, and positive vibes. But just because the team had success one week, nothing is guaranteed a week later. We'll see a week from Sunday against the Jaguars if this team can build on that performance.
Joey Sanchez from Sugar Hill, Georgia
Question: What's up Jim?! Second time writing in. First time was years ago, I think in year 2 of the disaster era, when our brand of football was perhaps the most boring thing in the history of televised sports. Not much has changed lol. About the Jeffrey Simmons trade though, I'm kinda surprised that so many people are legit mad. Like, Jeff was obviously a superstar but what does that realistically do for this team? This team isn't going to make the playoffs. 2 more wins was probably the best case scenario before he left. I'd be surprised (admittedly pleasantly) if the same thing isn't true next year too. So yes, Jeff is an animal but why have that waste away here. Yeah yeah leadership etc but by the time TN MAYBE claws out of this mess leadership is about all that he'll have left and all that talent will have been completely wasted. I know history tells us that extra 1's don't necessarily matter (was Jeff the last rd 1 hit we had?) but at least there's a chance there. Maybe. I dunno.
Lastly, Jeff deserved to be freed from this hell. He actually has an opportunity for his skills to mean something again. I dunno about yall but I'll happily be rooting for the Bears and big Jeff the rest of this season while we continue to watch the Titans do whatever this is. What even is this? My unsolicited advice to other fans, find the humor in it otherwise it's gonna shave off them years.
Anyways, hope you're well Jim! I dunno how you find the joy in any of this but your work is definitely appreciated. Thanks!
Jim: Good to hear from you again, Joey. Thanks for weighing in.
Timo Nicolausen from Talheim, Germany
Question: Hi Jim. A lot has been said about the "Big Jeff" trade, and you've had plenty to respond to. It still really hurts, but I'd like to try and look toward the future.
I also follow college football with great interest, and I've had a somewhat crazy idea for improving our running game. There's a quarterback for the Gamecocks named LaNorris Sellers. I don't think he's good enough to play QB in the NFL—and he likely won't be drafted early as a QB, since there will be much better options available—but he is an outstanding runner. He's tall and has a robust build, yet he's incredibly athletic and agile. I believe he could be an exceptional running back; he might still be available in the second or third round of the draft and could be a real upgrade for our ground game. Is it conceivable for a player to be drafted as a running back rather than a quarterback? Have there been any such cases in the past? What do you think of ideas like this? Am I way off base here? Despite all the current challenges, I'm trying to keep the faith that our time will come!! Best regards from Germany, and Titan Up!!!
Jim: Hey Timo. I'm familiar with LaNorris. He's going to be an intriguing prospect for some team, but I can't see that happening here. All indications are Cam is the QB moving forward, and if he keeps playing like he did this past Sunday, then the team will have a chance to build around him. And, oh yeah, Sellers is a QB, no question in my mind.
Jim Westbrook from Pasadena, California
Question: Hey, Jim. Thank you for all you do in sharing the fan perspective on the team. No question just some thoughts.
Cam had a good game against Cinci. He's getting better. Gotta learn how to close out a game but we're improving. I put finishing on the coaching staff. That's winning time and you have to know what you're going to do in end game situations long before kick-off. Using up two time-outs (three if you count Cinci called a time out, too!) on that OT 4th down is the coaches not being prepared. Cam has to know how to check out of a bad situation into a better one - I put that on the coaching.
Without big Jeff it looks like JFM and the young-uns have a new "takes all of us" identity and they're playing hard. I saw some promising signs. Way to go Saleh for learning how to use Alontae Taylor. And Amani Hooker, Tony Pollard… just wow. Lot of positives. I can see those turning to wins hopefully sooner rather than later. We have to close down games with our defense on the field. We have to own the 4th quarter on both sides of the ball. Then for overtime - we must KNOW that's a win in our pocket and own that, too.
Look, trading big Jeff hurt and honestly, I'll be keeping an eye on the Bears now just because of him. And ya… I saw all those red sleeves out there by the Titans D (smile). To all the GMs and owners out there who have to run the business of football - please know that there's a fan base that appreciates loyalty to our heroes. Jeff was a cherished hero in TN. We love players with heart. We love players who leave it all on the field. But if you trade 'em away during their prime fans feel betrayed and you risk losing us. I wanted Jeff to be here for the turn-around but that ain't happenin' now. Still - shout out to the true blue fans no matter the record or the individual names of dem bums. Count me among those.
Jim: Enjoyed reading your thoughts and perspective, Jim.
Chuck Rhoten from Kingsport, Tennessee
Question: Sad to see big Jeff go but happy that he will get a chance to play for a ring. I hope we do not waste the draft picks we received for him. I have been very critical of the team this year but this was their best game this season. I think the D played their best game of the year and the offense it was their best game by far. I did think the defense played different on the Bengals game tying drive and in overtime. I don't know if the Defensive play calls were different or they just got tired. The offensive play calling was the best all year. I like letting Cam throw more and I thought our WRs did a good job, a couple of big drops but a solid performance. I hope they keep letting him throw to see if he is the guy or not. This team performance I think gives fans some hope we are getting better.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Chuck.
Brock Martin from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Question: I have been a fan for nearly 50 years, and I must say the last couple years has been embarrassing to be a Titans fan. I have cancelled my NFL package the last 2 seasons because it's a waste of money.
On the positive side the last couple weeks Cam has shown he has some fight and leadership skills by scoring late and giving us a chance to win. Too bad the defense has collapsed. There has been lots of positives from the offense Pollards running Cam leading some key drives and even the defense yesterday as they were not great, but 3 sacks and 3 picks lead to points for us. I REALIZE we are still in tough but at least I can drive over bridges without wanting to pull over and jump. Here's to better days. Cheers Brock
Jim: Good to hear from you, Brock.
John Gartley from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Do you think the Titans will be able to survive a bye week? I fear that they may still somehow snatch a defeat from the jaws of a bye week victory. I know people will quote stats, but in the end, it comes down to W's and L's...
Jim: This is some elementary school stuff, John. We all know this.
James Kauffman from York, Pennsylvania
Question: Good morning Jim. That game against the Bengals was a hell of a game. I can't be mad at us not winning that game. Ward for the most part played very well. We gave the Bengals a team that was favored by 12.5 points all they could handle. If we keep hanging around in these close games we are going to start winning a few. I can't help but wonder if Tate was healthy would the outcome be different. I loved the effort on both sides of the ball. The Bengals are probably a top 5 offense and will be a wild card in the AFC this year. Hopefully we can keep that offensive momentum going.
Jim: I hear ya, James. The team needs to start winning more games, but this was the most encouraging performance of the past two years.
Gregory Smith from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim,I hoped you enjoyed Halloween, I didn't really expected a Strong Fought 💪🏿 Performance in the Post Jeffrey Simmons Era after the Trade to Chicago Bears for 2027 & 2028 1st Round Picks & a 2027 4th Round Pick & we gave a 2028 5th Round Pick as well. Everyone, me,you or anyone thought we were going to get blowned out by The Cincinnati Bengals but we brought the fight but mistakes, Turnovers and Penalties thoughtout and Overtime, We all thought, I was throwing the towel after Big Jeff was traded to Chicago just like everyone & look forward into next year but I liked of what I saw but a loss is a loss,1-7 going into the bye week, with rest ,hopefully we get healthy before we host The Jacksonville Jaguars going into the last nine games of the Season, if we can limit the mistakes, penalties and Turnovers to a minimum, we can probably win 5 or 6 out of 9 games, Tony looked great, Cam stepped in the right direction but he needs to get rid of the ball as quickly before a sack that cost us a winning drive in regulation, Tony Pollard was Outstanding w 3 picks,John Franklin-Meyers as well and Defense did failed but they fought all day,the fact remains to finished drives but no killing instinct on Coach Saleh, but I loved the Red Sleeves a Tribute to Jeffrey Simmons. Now would the Mike Borgonzi make some more moves before the Trade Deadline? Thanks Jim for all you do. Happy November & TITAN UP 🏈!!!!
Jim: Happy November, Gregory. Stay tuned on trade deadline stuff. Things can happen fast.
Carlos Perez from Columbus, Indiana
Question: Hi Jim, hope all is going well! I loved the D-Line tribute to Big Jeff! I said las week that I lost hope of watching one more win this season, after this game, I'm sure more Ws are on its way! I'm worried about Skoronski and Latham injuries, hope this bye week helps everyone to get healthy. Titan Up!
Jim: Hey Carlos. I thought the red sleeves tribute was cool as well. I'm with you on the o-line injuries.
Tommy Meyer from San Antonio, Texas
Question: Howdy Jim, well like many I overreacted to the Big Jeff trade. Thinking it over I hated to Jeff traded but I like the fact that he will get a chance to play in some playoff games. The talk all last week was the possibility of the Simmons trade and then it happened. now the talk is about every body that is on the trade block. Here is my list of the players that should be shopped. First is Calvin Ridley then its Tajae Spears, Wandale Robinson ( let's see Restrepo) and Cody Barton. I don't know their names but the losers who keep getting holding calls on kickoffs and punts. I was ready to give up on Ward but he finally played like a real quarterback. I only saw two or three bad plays one being the strip sack the other was tacking a sack towards the end of the game. The game scheme looked aggressive and Ward was getting rid of the ball quickly and having accurate throws until the end of the game when close to field goal range he held the ball and took a very stupid sack. By and large the team really played like a team that can win. Hat's off to the players wearing the red sleeve to honor Big Jeff. Titan Up!
Jim: All good, Tommy. I know a lot of folks were shocked, and mad.
Bradley Wolfe from Vincennes, Indiana
Question: Good morning Jim, I'm a long time follower of yours. I hope you are well. I know there are no moral victories in football but yesterday was fun. From start to finish the radio call was exciting. Cam Ward gave us a glimpse of how good he can play. My question for you is this: What is the mood around the Titans organization? I know we need wins but this team feels like its closer than ever at breaking through. I appreciate you time.
Jim: Hello Bradley. The mood has remained mostly positive, but this team has gone through a lot, from close losses to a concerning situation with Jordan Elliott to Jeffery Simmons being traded away. It's been a lot, but I think you saw on Sunday guys are still fighting, and playing hard. It would be nice to see guys rewarded with a win, because that would lift spirits.
Nicolas Delamare from Laval, Quebec, Canada
Question: Hi Jim, it's been an eternity since I last wrote to you and I think you know why I'm still taking time for that. I am simply writing to say goodbye to one of the greatest soldiers in our blue two-colored army, Mr. Jeffery Simmons. Titans welcomed a young injured guy who slipped and cried on the draft in Nashville and now we've seen him go to the Bears after letting a powerful odyssey for our team. A big heart guy with his community, with the children but a massive and dangerous grizzly on the ground, with his powerful and strong arms, "a real bear's arm." So from France, which hosted its first NFL game, thank you Jeffery for everything you did and go get a ring you deserve. And for our Titans nation, business is business, Cam, Elic, Carnell and the young are waiting for our help because they need to growing up faster and with our total confidence!! Oh wait, finally I have a question Jim... Trust is long to win but very fast to lose... How can we expect our board to make the right decisions, won with the Big Jeff exchange? Thank you Jim, #TitanUp
Jim: Good to hear from you again, Nicholas. It had been a while. Thanks for writing in, and sharing your thoughts on Jeff, and others. Time will tell on how this trade plays out. I have no doubt Jeffery is going to keep doing his thing in Chicago, playing dominant football. It's up to the GM to make the most of these picks.
Leon Johnson from Paragould, Arkansas
Question: This franchise is known around the NFL for developing play-makers to deal on the cheap later down the road. Jim I think you do your job well and with professional decorum. I am 75 and have and have for 60 plus years been faithful follower of this franchise. I have seen this most recent rerun too many times. I became a faithful follower since day one when Bud Adams and Lamar Hunt formed the AFL at the age of 10. I remember them playing in the old Jefferson stadium. Well Jim, I never thought i would quit following this team. I have many friends who were as avid Oiler fans as myself, who are now avid Texan fans. I have suffered a lot ridicule and criticism for staying faithful when the team moved to Nashville, but it was like they were a natural part of my growing up. However, after the first game this year, I have not watched another! And I have officially quit following the team! I never thought this day would come to be honest with you, I remember in the first draft, they drafted Billy Cannon out of LSU. a few QB's I have watched, George Blanda, Dan Pastorini, Don Trull, Billy Joe Tolliver, Ken Stabler, Warren Moon, Oliver Luck, Gifford Nielson, Steve McNair etc. It was not an easy decision to say good bye, with so much history, and love for the franchise, but this last move with Simmons, sealed the deal for me! One of the saddest days in 75 years. Bye to the days of long ago and Luv you blue! May you one day make the people of Nashville proud to have you as their NFL representative. It's been a heck of a ride to say the least! Thanks Jim a Job Well done.
Jim: Well, sorry to see you go, Leon. Sounds like it was a hell of a run.
E M McFarland from San Diego, California
Question: Hi Jim. Wondering when anyone in the organization will hold our Special Teams unit accountable for all the penalties. Especially holding. Seems like the only ones holding them accountable are the referees. Last week was a little better but we were right back to our average this week.
Our other ongoing issue is our porous pass defense, especially in the biggest moments of the game.
We are now just about tied for that number one pick in the next draft.
On a positive note, Cam and the offense looked pretty good overall. I like the faster pace and making quicker throws. Offense probably had their best showing of the year.
Any reason not give Kalel Mullings some reps and see if his speed would be a good addition to our running back room? He could spell Tony Pollard from time to time.
Sure hate giving up our best (and one of the league best) player in Simmons, although we were not winning with him. After all those first round pick will be at the end of the round. So that certainly lowers the value in my opinion.
Jim: Too many penalties for sure, EM. It's unfortunately gotten to the point where I'm surprised when there is not a flag on a kickoff return. Believe me, special teams coordinator John Fassel knows what he is doing, and he's coaching these guys up. Some of the flags are just youthful mistakes. I know he's questioned some others, because the reality is a flag could probably be thrown on just about every play … And yes, the defense needs to be better – it has played a big part in the team losing some of these games. Nick Singleton was actually active on Sunday, but it's hard to endorse taking Pollard off the field with the groove he's currently in.
Have a great week everyone!
