NASHVILLE – Make that two wins for the Tennessee Titans this season.
And, yes, I'm aware there are two sets of opinions on Sunday's win over the Browns – some from those who love winning, and some from those who are more worried about draft picks.
We except all feedback in here.
Let's dive into this Tuesday's Titans mailbag …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Alf Ritter from Munich, Germany
Question: Hi Jim. What a team effort in all 3 phases of the game!
I expect a lot of comparisons of Cam Ward's and Shedeur Sanders' performance yesterday - based on number of touchdowns and other stats and discussions who will be the better prospect down the road.
Still, I think that one cannot really jump to a conclusion after one direct encounter: different systems, different surroundings (offense, defense), different coaching staff.
And as rookies they both haven't put their stamp on their respective franchises. A lot more football is to be played.
What is your take on this?
Jim: I'm with you, Alf. And really, it's too early to make any big judgements on Cam or Shedeur.
The gameplan for Cam was much different than the one the Browns had for Shedeur. The Titans were focused on running the football, and doing their best to keep Myles Garrett from wrecking everything. The Browns pretty much let Shedeur sling it, and playing from behind, he had a lot more opportunities (42 pass attempts compared to 28). And, let's not forget Cam was facing the NFL's second-ranked defense, and Shedeur was facing the NFL's 24th ranked defense. I will say I was impressed with Shedeur. Other than the terrible pass he threw up that was intercepted, I thought he made some nice throws, some good decisions to run, and he had the look of a competitor. Cam can play better, and he will play better. But he did throw a pair of touchdowns, and he guided his team to a win on a day when the focus was to run the football.
Jack Walker from Calabasas, California
Question: Hey Jim, never a bad day when we get a W. Pollard looked great... The real difference maker. But let's face it... The nation was watching Sanders vs Ward and Sanders was clearly better today. Call me a conspiracy theorist but I think Cleveland threw the game by going for 2, twice. They could have gone to OT. Anyways... When you're a fan watching a 1-11 season you always think to the future and with that magnificent performance over the weekend, Fernando Mendoza is looking like a valuable R1P1 with suitors willing to trade a lot to get him. I'm not going to support drafting a QB in 26... But I will support an honest Levis vs Ward competition and if they're both struggling, go QB in 27 with draft capital gained from trading down in 26.
Jim: Hey Jack. I know a lot of folks questioned the Browns going for two after the first of their two late TDs, but let's not forget that was the exact same formula the Titans used to beat the Dolphins in Miami back in 2023. Down 14, they went for two after the first of their fourth quarter TDs, and then kicked a field goal after their second late TD in a 28-27 win. It looks genius when it works, and it looks dumb when it doesn't. … As for Mendoza, I'm sure not going to use the word magnificent to describe his performance on Saturday. I heard the FOX announcers pumping his tires all game long in the Big Ten title game, saying he had a "legendary" performance against Ohio State while clinching the Heisman. Give me a break. Mendoza had a nice game – he threw for 222 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 13-10 win. He made a great throw to (Father Ryan product) Charlie Becker late in the game. But it was hardly "magnificent." It would have been a good half for Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, who put up 433 yards and two TDs in a blowout win vs Tennessee. Don't get me wrong – I like Mendoza. He's a good player, and he's a good NFL prospect. But Pavia had the better season and deserves to win the Heisman Trophy. … Now, back on topic, I expect Cam Ward to be the starter in 2026 for the Tennessee Titans.
Pat Sweeney from Roselle Park, New Jersey
Question: Hey hey hey … first time in two years we had a game plan heading into a game and that leads to a win. Who would have thunk...a competent coaching staff leads to better days ahead. (let's hope the coaching search is successful. (But I do have confidence in Borgonzi) Titan up Jim.Thanks for your great coverage.
Jim: Thanks for jumping in, Patrick.
Mike Garris from Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Question: At what point should we panic about Cam? He got outplayed by Shedeur Sanders.
Jim: Not after 13 games. See my earlier response to Alf's question on this subject.
Ronnie Smith from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: I am writing in to vent! I certainly want the Titans to win, but we can't ignore that Mike McCoy desperately tried to give the game away at the end by ridiculously conservative play calling on the Titans last drive. 3 running plays up the middle with more than 2 minutes left, which gave the Browns the ball back and allowed their final touchdown drive. There is literally nothing to lose at this point. by actually trying to win the game (except for draft position). And if Stefanski does not commit his own coaching malpractice by inexplicably going for 2 after bringing the game within a touchdown, McCoy would have allowed the Browns to tie the game at the end with an extra point. But that is not actually why I am writing. The officiating in today's NFL makes the games unwatchable, and literally makes fans (I know I am not the only one) think sometimes the games are fixed. One example: the personal foul call on the Titans DB toward the end. He did not touch the receiver's head, there was no helmet to helmet contact, he literally made a clean tackle on the reception. In that situation, the only other choice he had was to just let the receiver catch the ball. Is that what he was supposed to do? Or should we just make this flag football? And what caused me to actually write in is I am watching the Sunday night game, and the Texans on one of their opening drives just got called for a phantom illegal shift which wiped out a TD, followed immediately by an offensive offsides on 3rd and 1 that wiped out a first down, while replay showed neither was remotely a penalty. Could it be the NFL wants the Chiefs and Taylor Swift in the playoffs? Wink wink. Thanks for giving us a forum to vent lol! I feel better! Love you Jim, and have a great week.
Jim: Hey Ronnie. I hear ya, Ronnie. The ending wasn't great. And I agree the officiating definitely provides onlookers reasons to want to vent on the reg. (Young folks, did I use this slang right?)
Sam Bingham from Tuscon, Arizona
Question: Thank You Jesus!!!
Jim: Sounds like you're happy, Sam.
Cosme Belmonte from Mexico City, Mexico
Question: Well done!
Go Titans!🏉
Jim: Gracias, Cosme!
Richard Robles from Springfield, Tennessee
Question: Hi, Jim. OK, That's a nice win, But we need to do more wins to get more things done, I think we need to start Cam Ward to win games again. Nice win! Titan Up!
Jim: Oh he's going to start Richard.
Richard Reyna from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Question: How are you Jim. I've been a fan of the Titans since I was 5 years old I'm now 49 over the years I've hoped to win the big game. Seeing my team lose over and over not being able to get over that hill is absolutely mind blowing. There has to be some dramatic changes from the owners, the staff, players everyone involved they have to get their heads out of you know where. I'm sorry to say Cam is not the franchise QB. He does not have what it takes. If we have a chance to get the number one pick this go around I think we should bring in Fernando Mendoza he would be a promising future let Cam be a back up so he can learn our trade him. What's your take on all this losing and losing?
Jim: Hey Richard. I know 2-11 is nothing to brag about, but the mood did change for a week. The Titans are in rebuild mode, and it's going to take more time. This is going to be a mammoth offseason – a new head coach will be hired, along with a new staff, and new players will be acquired in free agency and the NFL Draft. Mendoza won't be one of them.
Have a great week everyone!
