NASHVILLE â The Titans failed in their mission to the West Coast.
Sunday's loss to the 49ers kept the team from winning back-to-back games for the first time in a long time.
Now, it's back to work, with the Kansas City Chiefs headed to Nashville for Sunday's game.
Let's talk about all of it in this Tuesday's Titans mailbag âŠ
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Matt Meyer from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Founding season ticket member with my Dad for 25+ years. At this point I just want games to be close and not painful to watch. This week was tolerable and seems like the rookies continue to make progress! It's all we can hope for this year.
McCoy, Holz and Hardegree will all be gone next year as I can't imagine any reason to retain them in any capacity. I can't believe how many times they have called some sort of behind the line of scrimmage pass or jet sweep with Dike or some other victim. It's clear by the execution they have not coached the fine details on how to block, position or lead the receiver to maximize success on these plays. Yet they continue to call them 6-7 times per game with little gain.
My question is, what is our % success rate (> 3 yards) we have achieved on these plays this season? I don't know what the answer is, but it seems extremely low. Can those 3 coaches answer that question off the top of their head with accuracy? Just curious how deep their analytics go because it doesn't seem like logic is driving their decisions.
Hoping you can open a window and share some insight on how these coaches operate. Looking forward to meaningful games next yearâŠ.or at a minimum in the new stadium in 2027.
Jim: Hi Matt. "Victim" is an interesting way to put it in, but I hear ya. đ
I'll be honest, I'm not sure what the percentage rate it, but at this point, to be perfectly honesty, I'm tired of seeing that play myself. Too many of them have been blown up. But we have to give credit where it's due, and the offense has been better in recent weeks. ⊠I'm sure you've had some great memories with your dad at the stadium over the year. Here's hoping the team will get better and you'll have more.
Bob Luciano from Huntersville, North Carolina
Question: It's Christmas time so optimism abounds!
Here is what I see. A young quarterback figuring it out with a group of young receivers. Next year this group will be excellent. The team's best player saying he wants to stay and be part of the upcoming successful years. Coaches and owners who are working on getting it right. Last year's special teams coach was fired, this year's special teams coach is doing great. The ineffective head coach was fired. Most importantly a team that continues to play hard and does not quit. Combine this with high draft picks for next year and lots of salary cap money to fill holes, we are going to be an above .500 team next year. Are you with me?!!!!
Jim: I like the optimism, Bob. I've always been a glass half-full guy myself. I know fans want to see this transpire. There are reasons to feel good about the future, but there are more questions than answers at this point. So much will depend on who is hired as the next head coach, and the upcoming free agency and draft classes. Time will tell.
Raymond Farrar from St. Louis, Missouri
Question: Hey Jim! Happy Holidays to you and your family! Although we have a few games left, I would give this draft class an A (A- at the lowest). What say you?
Jim: Happy Holidays, Raymond. Man, I hate to dodge the grade, but I'm giving it an Incomplete at this point. I can't go A right now, but sure, one day it could end up there. Check back with me this time next year.
Bob Easley from Austin, Texas
Question: Jim, you have been very supportive of Cam this year which is helpful and hopeful.
I thought your readers might want to be alerted about a 3 episode series about Cam called ZeroStar: The Cam Ward Story that is streaming on TUBI for free ( I have no affiliation with TUBI). I just finished watching it.
The 3 episode series goes from his high school days thru college and then his becoming the first Zero star recruit out of high school to be the number 1 pick in the NFL draft. This series is a great look and makes you feel good about the future with Cam. I recommend all of it except that Cam's very last comment on the very last episode disappointed meâŠand I wish you would tell him of my disappointmentâŠ
I thought your readers might want to be aware of this short seriesâ
Jim: Thanks for looking out, Bob.
Bill Lobb from Buffalo, New York
Question: Hi Jim. Obviously not the year we were hoping for. I know we were thinking of more wins, and some growth from some players that did not materialize. What are your thoughts as far as position groups that have underwhelmed this year in terms of what we expected versus performance on the field during games? Thanks!
Jim: Underwhelmed? The o-line struggled early but has settled down. I thought the secondary would be a strength, but now it's depleted. The team needs more of a consistent rush from the edge. Not sure these groups have been underwhelming as much as they've just been undermanned.
Chris Yorkey from Union Springs, New York
Question: Hi Jim. Greetings once again from snowy Upstate NY and while we haven't had a lot to be excited about on Sundays this season, I really do feel there is hope. At one point in the season several weeks ago, I supported the tankathon approach but seeing how the team still fights each and every week, my attitude has changed wholeheartedly. The win vs Cleveland was awesome. We all knew the 49ers away game would be tough, and it was, although we showed fight. I think we are catching the Chiefs at an interesting moment; we could definitely win this week. I think we should continue to support the team and push for wins. Draft picks aren't a guarantee. And we showed this year we don't need all picks to be first rounders to be contributors.
Statistically, I believe we have still also played the toughest schedule of any team so far this season which is crazy to think. We face really good teams each and every week. And Cam has shown marked improvement; he really has. He started the Browns game an efficient 4-4 for 48 yards and a TD. His throwback to Big Jeff on Sunday (much like his first TD) was incredibly athletic. And have any of y'all seen the Cam Ward Story first episodes yet (Tubi)? He is a class act that has been successful every step of his career. It will carryover into the NFL too. We just all need to continue to hang in there as better days are ahead. Happy Holidays to all!
Jim: Greetings, Chris. Thanks for weighing in. I know fans have mixed feelings about what they want to see down the stretch, some wanting to see wins, others hoping for losses because it would improve draft positioning. I get it. The first overall pick would be extremely valuable, because it could be parlayed into other valuable picks. But you're right â these draft picks come with no guarantees. One of the things I love about the NFL is seeing a team like the Saints show a lot of heart and spunk by winning back-to-back games, despite being in a similar predicament as these Titans. With what's on the horizon, I'm not going to be shocked to see the Titans win another game or two. It also won't be a shock to see this team lose out. Either way, I know some fans will be happy, and others upset. Happy Holidays.
Blake Collins from Saltville, Virginia
Question: Hey Jim hope your doing well, as a fan thanks for keeping us connected to the team like you do. Became a fan during the 99 season and have been loyal ever since .. boy we are in a bad spot arent we..no way of sugar coating it. Been seeing alot of comments on the front office lately ,We have to get past the hiring and firings of the last couple years. Yea the wrong decisions where made or we would been in a better position right now. But I guess we need to be thankful for all the front office movement because that means we are trying, right. Trying to put the right people in place . Trying to put the right coach in front of the players. Trying to put the right players on the field. I like Chad, Mike i think they will try and put the best coach they can find to lead our players. Cam needs weapons which i think they will get him some in the draft/free agency. What you think our biggest need is right now if you wound up with the number one pick? Mines tackle....
Jim: Still a ways to go, Blake, three games left. The team could end up picking anywhere from 1 to 9 at this point, although chances are it'll be in the top five. If the team ends up with the first overall pick, I'm trading it for a draft haul. It wouldn't be tackle, but I appreciate the question and opinion.
Eli Decko from Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Question: It's almost like what I said 2 years ago was true. Running the football is the foundation of a successful offense. This "modern football era" crap is just that. Crap. Media hype and frenzy. Even though they lost, cuz let's face it that is what this team will always do so long that they ignore reality, running the football is the best way to win games. Especially with a young QB. And yet they let the franchise's Greatest RB go, for a bum like Pollard. Then you guys are like, wow Pollard was amazing. Seriously guys? You act like I didn't rip this team for throwing Henry away in an effort to "modernize" the offense. Which resulted in ridiculous turnovers with inexperienced players at QB. Hmmmm. How do we limit turnovers? Keep it in the hands on the RB and not throwing it where 11 variables, defensive players, can impeed on the delivery of the ball to the offensive player. Build an Offensive line and hammer the ball. Notice how Buffalo is winning? Even with a gunslinger????? James frickin Cook! #1 rushing team in the NFL. Who would have thought? BTW, I'll always be ahead of the Titans, why wouldn't they hire me? Legit? This is pure insanity. Thanks again Jim
Jim: Hey Eli. I get you're frustrated. I hear it in every email you send my way. But if you're looking to bash someone, you picked the wrong guy in Tony Pollard. No, he's not Derrick Henry. He's never pretended to be. But he's done nothing but bust it ever since he got here, and he's now put together back-to-back 100-yard games. So, your frustration is aimed at the wrong guy, at the wrong time.
Have a great week everyone!
