NASHVILLE – Well, things didn't exactly work like a charm in the Charm City.
The Titans provided a few reasons to be encouraged, but also more reasons to be frustrated in a 24-18 loss to the Ravens.
Now it's back to the drawing board against the Houston Texans.
But before we get too far down the road, let's open up this Tuesday's mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Ryan Jones from Dover, Arkansas
Question: Hey Jim. Hey it's me again. I'm going to start this off by saying that I appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions even though they aren't very positive recently. You could say that the Titans played a decent game, but they still got the L and have a 0-4 record. What are they going to change? You can't be struggling like we are right now and just keep doing the same old same old. The only way for possible good outcomes is with some big changes. What are the Titans planning on doing? Truly very thankful for your responses and let's go Titans!
Jim: Appreciate it, Ryan. Things haven't been very positive in here, you're right about that. So, what needs to change? Well, for one, the offense is going to have to be more consistent. There were too many wasted possessions in the third and fourth quarter on Sunday, when I felt like the Ravens were pretty much trying to run out the clock with Lamar Jackson hurt, and a back-up QB in the game. The Titans couldn't close the gap, and they didn't do much to threaten the Ravens until it was too late. The offense had three straight three-and-outs in the second half, a week after five straight three-and-outs in the first half against the Giants. So, while there are some positive things you can point to on the team, the disappearing act of the offense during significant stretches of the game has been the biggest problem so far to me.
Brad Wolfe from Vincennes, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim, longtime Titan fan here currently living in Colts country. I have to admit the past few seasons have been hard to swallow, that being said this year feels different. We are for the most part competing till the end. It feels like each game is one or two plays from being a win. My question is this: Historically in franchise history have the Titans had long droughts like this? What advice do you give to fans as hope for optimism coming into a new stadium next year? I know we have 13 games left this season I'm hopeful for a couple of wins! Thanks.
Jim: Hey Brad. I hate to admit it, but this is the longest stretch of losing since the team has been in Tennessee. Sure, there have been some bad years in the past, but the doom and gloom then didn't last that long. This stretch of losing has gone on since the middle of the 2022 season – the Titans have lost 50 of 62 games since then. Not good. I do think the team is getting better, and it is certainly improved compared to a year ago. But fans want to see it now, and I completely understand why. The new stadium won't magically fix things, so the football folks are going to have to figure it out.
Lloyd Frizzell from Houston, Texas
Question: Jim! Its Texans hate week… and we are wearing the latest rendition of the "luv ya blue" whether they like it or not!!! Man it would be sweet if we could send them to 0-5 to get some revenge for what happened last season… both teams are facing true desperation for their W so this will simply come down to who wants it more!!
I truly believe that once we get that first W… they will start coming in bunches. I have not lost hope whatsoever (except for maybe in our low redzone offensive play calling and execution) 4 STRAIGHT RUNS?! And if you are gonna go wildcat… Put #2 aka the shiftiest guy on the roster at QB and let him do what he does! Not pollard who you just ran 3 times in a row and might be a little
winded?? Just a thought…
My only question is about the opening coin toss because I have missed the beginning of the broadcast the last 2 weeks.. Did we the toss and choose to receive? Or did the Giants and Ravens win and defer? In my opinion… we should always be trying to play defense first… with our offensive woes and ball security issues choosing to receive would be a baffling decision.
Last thing… 0-6 to 8-8 ….(or 9-8 for our 17 games).. lots of time to turn this around!! Who is with me?!?
TITAN UP!
Jim: Hey Lloyd. I know this game means something to you, and all the Titans fans in Houston. Shout-out to TTFIH!
I hear ya on the first-and-goal situation, not good.
Baltimore won the coin toss, and elected to defer.
The Giants also won the coin toss, and elected to defer.
Have a great week!
Will Turner from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: No questions this time around, Jim. Just some comments. BTW, thanks for always keeping it classy.
OK, so another L isn't any fun...
But! The offense is starting to put it together. Definitely still a work in progress, but the pieces are there. We can move the ball. Play calling was more aggressive. I think the switch is about to flip and things will fall into place. 1 or 2 more games and it'll happen.
Cam showed up. Period. He wasn't perfect, but that L was not on him.
4th and Goal and the play call is a wildcat?!?!?!?!?!
Despite my wildcat comment, I'm optimistic. I think we're going to be competitive in our division and I'll call it right now: We will spoil someone's playoff chances.
Jim: Appreciate it, Will.
I didn't like the direct snap to Pollard myself, I admit. Hell, everyone in the stadium knew what was coming.
Michael Yocum from Murray, Kentucky
Question: The Titans seem to keep finding success in a hurry up offense scenario, at the end of games. Why can't we start the game in a hurry up offense? Do you, Jim, think that might help get points on the board faster? It seems like that might be an answer to getting Cam to relax and stay in the pocket. Cam, I think is a special talent, but he is in his head, feeling pressure, before it's really pressure.
Jim: I think it's a fair question, Michael. And, I think I'd try it more in spurts. I know this team wants to run the football, but in these stretches when the offense is struggling, I'm up for trying something different.
Beau Siddens from Covington, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim, I imagine your inbox is lit up with disgruntled fans chiming in. I am becoming one. The Defense is getting better every game. Keep it up gents!
Ward on the other hand, doesn't look ready. I understand he is a young kid, who doesn't have a traditional QB background. He has improved throughout the last 20 games, but he's not blooming like other 2nd year QBs. Today he looked like Cam Levis!! We have a great Offense this year and it's not being utilized by Ward, or the play calling, or both. Can we try Mitch? Playing him could highlight the root cause of our dismal offensive production.
I'll be at the game in Indy in a couple of weeks. Hope to see you there.
Thanks for writing. I always look forward to reading your articles.
Titan Up
Jim: Hey Beau. Keep reading and you'll see there's actually more optimism in here this week, which came as a bit of a surprise. Thanks for reading. … I thought Cam played better on Sunday. If the team scores on the first-and-goal, and doesn't fumble twice, folks would be looking at things differently.
Luke Jones from Lamar, Arkansas
Question: I'm honestly impressed with how well we survived against the Ravens this week. Our defense held them to 24 which is great considering the Ravens offense, Tony Pollard played hard with his touchdown run, and Cam Ward finally looked like he belongs in the league. Maybe like a backup for the Cleveland Browns. LETS PUT IN TRUBISKY!!!!
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Luke. Cam is the QB.
Robert Ferguson from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: 0-4 man, 0-4. Same 'ol Titans. Done with this team.
Jim: Thanks for writing in about the team, Robert.
Jim C from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: Jim. I would really like to see a win but have to admit, these Titans are pesky. They don't go away and are in games at the end. I'm still believing there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Jim: Need to find a way to win some games, Jim. Good to hear from you.
Anthony Anthamatten from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Let me be the optimist and say the Titans are making progress. I almost laugh at the little mistakes: a dropped pass, a scramble that turns into a turnover. This is a professional game with professional athletes, and a play or two here and there and you have a different team.
This won't happen overnight. I hope Titans fans give this team a chance. Rebuilding is tough. You do it one brick at a time. And it wouldn't surprise me if, the year the Super Bowl comes to Nashville, it's the Titans playing in their own stadium in Music City.
I can dream. But hey, I was at the Music City Miracle game, and I believe anything is possible, especially with this team.
We'll endure the tough days. Don't give up, Titans fans. Better days are ahead.
And since this is an "Ask Jim" column, here's my question: Do you believe in miracles, Jim?
Jim: Appreciate the email, Anthony. This team doesn't need a miracle. It just needs to play better football, and figure out how to win games. Other teams around the league are doing it.
Benny Blades from Miami, Florida
Hi Jim: I am from Miami and became a Titans fan once the Titans selected Cam Ward and picked up Xavier as a free agent. While I have tried my best to defend Cam, the you tubers like this guy Stillman and others are right and have convinced me how wrong I have been in supporting Cam and believing he is good. The first interception that hit Tony Pollard in the hands and bounced off of him and became an interception was totally Cam's fault. Likewise, Carnell Tate's fumble at the end of the first half, totally on Cam - had he not thrown a beautiful pass to Tate then Tate would not have been able to fumble, and of course Tate would then not have caught on camera right after with Calvin Ridley laughing about something that must have been about how the fumble was Cam's fault. Also, Saleh's defensive scheme totally being blown up in the first half and being out coached by the Raven's OC, and the defense being unable to cover Zay Flowers, that most definitely is on Cam. Of course, this goes without saying, Daboll calling 4 straight run plays when the score was 14-7 and the Titans had first and goal on the 8, and culminating with the same stupid wild cat that failed the week before in the same situation, you know it, that was Cam's fault. Forget Einstein's saying that the definition of insanity is king the same thing over and over but expecting different results. All of the fans who beat up on Cam week in and out, after just 20 games, and while being saddled with horrible coaching last year, and a team weak on talent (better this year) is 100 percent Cam's fault. You all have convinced me of the errors of my ways and how stupid I am.
Jim: Hang in there, Benny. Sounds like you're going through it. I'm not familiar with this Stillman guy. Is he new?
Mike Knecht from Highland, New York
Question: Hey Jim. Hope you are well. Thanks for always keeping us fans informed. Dont have a question, just have to say this. First another loss. Terrible. Second and most important. I read the weekend mailbag, and saw someone say that people are sending Cam Ward's family threats. That is so ridiculous. I don't believe Cam is our franchise QB, but I don't wish anything bad on him or his family. He also might prove me wrong, and I'll admit it if he does. Sending Cam, and especially his family threats is bad. People who do that need some serious help. It's funny. Cam is probably a really good/nice kid. Yeah I'm old. I can call him a kid lol. Lastly after reading that this weekend, I hope Cam does prove me wrong. Tell him to keep his head up.
Jim: I hear ya on the threats. Ridiculous.
Steven Kendall from Owings, Maryland
Question: What do you think the Titans are lacking? Their game so they have tons of potential and can do really good but there seems like there's something that's lacking. What do you think that is?
Jim: Aside from lacking wins, this team just hasn't figured out how to win. It seems like something different each week is keeping a breakthrough from happening. The offense needs to be better, special teams needs to clean things up, and the defense needs to make some game-changing plays. And these turnovers - the one at the end vs the Giants, and the two in the first half in Baltimore - have been killers.
Bob Galasso from Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim. Hope you and the family are doing well. Well another close one and yet here we sit 0-4 dead last in out division... I admit that there were some bright spots once again, particularly on offense where Cam had his best game of the season and Carnell Tate had over 100 receiving yards. With that being said the offense still wasted opportunities with turnovers and their inability to score touchdowns within the red zone.... especially first and goal from the eight yard line...
I think some of that responsibility rests on the coaching staff.... 4 straight running plays... really? Coach says it had nothing to do with trusting Cam to score, yet he wasn't involved in at least one shot despite gaining 25 yards on the ground overall.... why not run a quarterback option and let him roll out... why not let one of our WRs do an end around.... Everyone knew what was coming on fourth down.... Yikes
I was also surprised at the penalties that the special teams unit committed that definitely cost the team valuable field positioning. One of the few strengths from a year ago... John Fassel's units normally show more discipline than what we have seen so far this year...
The Defense performed okay, but Simmons only had one pressure all game and Lamar was killing them before he left the game because of injury... He has 222 yards passing and 2 touchdowns...
This season is a disappointment for sure but as a lifelong Titans / Oilers fan I'm sticking with my team. Robert Saleh, Brian daboll and Gus Bradley need to all do a better job as well....
On the positive side, I think as a young team they're growing each week and like Saleh said you need to learn not to lose before you can learn how to win.... Hopefully the learning curve with happen sooner than leter....
Thanks for listening Jim...... Take care!!
Jim: All is well, thanks Bob.
We agree on the four straight runs, didn't like it. And you're right – the special teams penalties have hurt tremendously. Thanks for weighing in.
Sean Kelley from Smyrna, Delaware
Question: Hi Jim. 0-4 - you are what your record says you are.
Anyone just saying "Titans suck", are not watching the games.
Yes there are god awful and unfortunate plays but they have talent there.
Cam, the INT sucked, just a gut punch. But rallied and drove the team for points.
I am going to sound like I drank the half filled glass but we are close.
Let's get into the division, one game, stack wins.
All the best
Jim: Hey Sean. Good to hear from you. There are definitely signs out there that the team is improving. But most fans, at this point, are tired of losing and want to see wins, and now.
Luis Linares from Mexico City, Mexico
Question: Hola, Jim, sabes, es frustrante ver a los Titans jugar. Siempre pierden y ni por asomo, al menos, son un equipo competitivo. Robert Saleh est� lejos de ser un buen coach. A pesar de que la plantilla de jugadores mejor�, los Titans contin�an siendo un equipo sin alma y muy f�cil de vencer. Es una l�stima. Y eso es culpa solo de Saleh, quien no ha podido hacer un equipo al menos competitivo y s� uno muy f�cil para los equipos rivales. Recibe mis saludos, Jim, y ojal� alg�n d�a este equipo pueda salir de esa infame mediocridad.
Jim: Hola, Luis. Bueno, yo no diría que este equipo no ha sido competitivo; simplemente no ha tenido el nivel suficiente para ganar. Pero, sin duda, necesita mejorar. Debo ser sincero, Luis: no tengo ningún problema con la forma en que Saleh ha manejado las cosas hasta ahora. El mayor problema de este equipo es una ofensiva que ha dejado que desear y, al ser un entrenador de corte defensivo, parte de esto escapa a su control.
Paul D from Phoenix, Arizona
Question: Hey Jim. Greetings from Arizona!
It doesn't get any better than spending a Sunday watching Cardinals football locally and watching the Titans from a distance, does it? You don't need to answer that one haha. It is great though seeing Tate and Ward's chemistry starting to develop, I'm excited to see how it continues to grow from here.
My question is: How is our other 1st Rd pick, Keldric Faulk, coming along? I see plenty of news about how Tate is doing or Anthony Hill Jr's rocket start of a season, but it seems Faulk is flying under the radar and I'd like to get a little more insight into his progress if possible.
Thanks for your time, go Titans!
Jim: Hey Paul! I think Keldric is learning on the job. He played just 21 snaps on Sunday, and wasn't credited with a QB pressure, a week after getting his first sack. I think it's safe to say he's a work in progress. I watch him in practices, and he's working hard, developing.
Tommy Meyer from San Antonio, Texas
Question: Good Morning Jim, well I am not happy with the results but I am happy that the game was a lot closer than I had expected. Cam did what I said should do i an earlier post. Throw the ball quicker. When he took just a few steps and threw he was much more effective, with the exception of the run for his life and complete a ball downfield for a first down. I have have couple of questions . Where was Big jeff? He should have dominated a rookie center. Why does (Daboll) call such a conservative game? Four straight runs to the middle at the goal line!!! One of those a wildcat!!! What was that toss back from Tate to Spears? Trick plays when you aren't a really strong offense rarely work, The reason the Titans loss can be squarely on the coaching staff. Poor play calling at it's best. Yes the players carry some blame also -fumbles ,dropped passes and not performing up to their abilities. Last thing why was Flowers being guarded by a linebacker? Cody is not a coverage guy and totally out of his depth on a receiver like Flowers. That was either a miscommunication by the defense or a total blunder by our defensive Guru Coach Saleh. The team needs better coaching that they have gotten so far . I understand it takes time to jell as a team but come on the coaches need to coach to the players abilities not put them in bad situations. Some players need to step up or sit down. Last of all Big Jeff spoke out on how he was tired of losing games ,then did not do his best on Sunday. Thanks
Jim: Hey Tommy. One player I never worry about is Jeffery Simmons. Sure, he didn't have his most productive game on Sunday, but he gets a lot of attention from the opposing offenses. The Titans need to be better around him when he's getting double-teamed. … I hear ya some of your other points.
Eli Decko from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Question: When do you think they will make a move at QB? After the second play interception it was ABUNDANTLY clear Daboll took the ball out of Ward's hands. Had Baltimore not went up 24-7 they would have continued to try and run it. Instead they were forced to attempt to let Ward be a QB. Which he failed at again. I give you your props Jim, the line has looked better than it has in YEARS! He is the problem and it cannot be sugar coated anymore. The dude has to ride the pine. Trubisky isn't Tanny 2.0, but he is far superior to Ward. You were also right about Henry today. Their line was TERRIBLE at blocking and being on their emergency Center, their guard moving over, I kinda expected that. Also Lamar going down hurt bad and the Titans STILL couldn't win. If Saleh has a pair, they sit Ward for the foreseeable future.
Jim: Eli, you told me you were done with the mailbag and this team …
Steve Richelle from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Question: What a disappointing ballgame. Why are they waiting until the second half to get anything going??? I think it's the play calling by the oc not good!!!!!! Defense could handle the Ravens but the offense couldn't play their way into a win against a pop warner team!!
Jim: I understand the frustration, Steve. It's been a brutal stretch. But c'mon, we know this team could be any Pop Warner team out there, even the Brentwood Blaze.
Chuck Olroy from Austin, Texas
Question: Hi Jim. I Believe the only way to make Cam better is to trade him for another 5th round draft pick (cause that's what we do) then he will excel. I think they traded away the culture of the team. I know we can get our superstars back but when you have superstars I think you should find a way to keep them. JMHO
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Chuck.
Cindy Pendergrass from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Besides our losing streak, I hope you are doing good. Even though, we are losers right now, I am still going to the Jags game in November. It is expensive. Our 2 tickets totaled $278.40. These are the 300 section. Our hotel room for Saturday is $458.53. So, in total, I spent $736.93 for a hotel on Saturday and the game on Sunday. Ouch! This is why we can only go to one game per year. I am sure next year, the price of tickets will double to pay for the new stadium. Total waste of money, imo. Now that I have complained, let me ask. Can you give me some positive information so I don't feel like I lost money? I love my Titans. Thanks so much. Cindy Pendergrass
Jim: Hi Cindy. Good to hear from you. I think I would have waited to buy those tickets, tbh. Surprised they're that much in 300 level. Nashville will be worth it, and hopefully the team will be winning games by then. One bonus is you will get to see the team in the new Rivalries uniform that day.
Have a great weekend everyone!
