NASHVILLE – Now that was better.
No, it wasn't perfect.
But, it was a win.
The Titans found a way on Sunday in Indianapolis, and now the team will try and make it two in a row this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Before we get too far ahead, let's check the pulse after victory No.1 of 2026…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Chris Malone from Indianapolis, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim. Recently made it home from the Titans/Colts game. What a great time it was being hassled by the Colts fans as I was decked out in my Titans gear. It was good-natured fun and could not have ended any better. I felt 10 foot tall as I was walking back to my truck from Lucas Oil Stadium. I now live in Indianapolis, but my heart will always remain in Sumner County Tennessee and Nashville, Tennessee. Have a great week. Just wanted to share how fun it was being the only Titans fan in my section and walking out of there with a victory!
Jim: Well, you got the last laugh, Chris. And now you have bragging rights for a bit…
Will Casey from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Dear Jim. I wanted to share some thoughts with you regarding Sunday's game down at Lucas Oil Stadium. I was actually up there in person to witness the whole thing live, and talking with the other Titans fans in the stands, everyone was feeling the exact same way I was.
For the first half, it looked like we were heading straight toward a brutal 0-6 start. The team just wasn't clicking, and the energy was rough. But whatever Coach did during halftime—it looked like he made the entire squad ate their Wheaties—completely flipped the script.
They came out in the second half dominating the field, shutting them out and roaring back to pull off a massive 26-20 comeback win. It was an incredible turnaround to witness in person alongside fellow fans who lived through every second of it.
To top it all off, when I brought a souvenir from Lucas Oil Stadium back home, my daughter saw it and immediately lit into me and my wife, saying, "You brought the enemy into our house!"
I was so proud of her -- she will a future season ticket holder for sure #titanup and great job team
Jim: Hey Will. Glad you were rewarded for making the trip. I have to admit, that was the smallest representation from Titans fans in Indianapolis that I'd probably ever seen. I know I saw some in the stands at the end who were celebrating, and glad they made the effort. This team, and this franchise, needs to win more games to convince others to make these trips.
Love the story on your daughter – she sounds spunky!
Nathan Scott from Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Question: I jumped out of my chair at the punt block into a touchdown. It was nice to get that excited about the Titans again.
Jim: I hear ya, Nathan.
Tommy Meyer from San Antonio, Texas
Question: Howdy Jim, FINALLY! My hope is somewhat restored, but I must say Cam has to get better at seeing the whole field. He missed seeing a wide open Ridley on one red zone attempt and they had to settle for a field goal. The commentators remarked on how Daboll had moved Cam so he only had to process half the field and he got better. Hat's of to the defense for creating turnovers and sacks to allow the offense to finally score some points. heck we even had touchdowns although was a defensive score . Way to go special teams. Dike looked like his old self today running with some purpose. Let's keep it up and put together a string of wins before the bye week.
Jim: It was nice to see a win, huh Tommy? But you're right – it wasn't perfect. The offense still leaves a lot to be desired, just a lot of wasted possessions and drives ending in field goals and not touchdowns. I love Cam's enthusiasm, but he, and the entire offense, needs to be better.
Bob Galasso from Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim. Nice to see the Team get into the win column. Special teams, the offense and defense all played a complete game with the defense leading the way with 6 sacks and crucial turnovers.
Hopefully they will continue this effort against the upcoming hoe game with the Browns. It was a while in coming but really felt good.
Thanks for all you do Jim.
Jim: Appreciate it, Bob. It's been a long time since the team has won back-to-back games – you have to go back to the 2022 season, in fact. The next chance comes this Sunday against the Browns.
Andy Stambene from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Question: Not a Question just some comments...Finally a Win, but it took awhile for the team to find themselves. Defense really stood tall(6 sacks) and got some timely strips/fumbles and INT's...and that blocked punt by Williams/Chesnut was a beaut...can you say jail break? ...followed by Oladejo's TD...Dike returns added some more spark,would have gone nutso around here had he taken the 58 yder to the house but hey pretty darn good...nice toss by Ward to find Tate for the TD,his 1st?...I have to say I had a good feeling that the Titans would Win this game...Like/Love how much pressure the DL was putting on the opposing QB today...I've probably missed someone...Silye's 4 FG's mattered too most of them from distance...and the Often beleaguered O-Line played well allowed Zero Sacks...like how Daboll didn't get away from the run game while mixing in the pass so as to not have the Colts pin their ears back...excellent job there...Cudo's to everyone...now that was Fun...Next...Thanks Jim for all you do and for keeping things always real...best to you and your Famiglia...Titan Up
Jim: Appreciate it, Andy.
Reuben Alvear II from San Francisco, California
Question: Hello, Jim. Coach Saleh looks a bit prophetic, after saying within the past week that his squad would have their day in the sun.
It's a great win for the guys. And neither the coaches nor players need to apologize for getting a divisional Dubya on the road. The offense still needs to be a lot better. Yet, I'm encouraged that the Titans found a way to get it done on a day where they didn't have their fastball. Six sacks, three TO's and two electric special teams plays will always help :D
Hopefully Coach Saleh and his squad can build on this.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Reuben. And with the roof open in Lucas Oil Stadium, I guess the team did have its day in the sun! But I'm not sure beating the Colts qualifies as the day in the sun he was talking about. Saleh and this team have bigger goals in mind.
Bud Stein from Jacksonville, Florida
Question : GM JIM. hope all well with you. Havent been chosen for mailbag in a while I think its because you wont answer the questions I ask!!! But Ill try again WHEN WILL IT STOP???? In past I thought coaches lack of players but Ive concluded its ownership, bud Adams wouldn' let this happen for 4 years running let great players walk year in year out@ Bringing in NON impact players !!!!!!!!! Cam Ward is a bust just like Wil Levis !!! Say what you want but Marcis Mariota and Malik Willis are better This all comes from a fan from the LUV YA BLUE EARL CAMPBELL ERA!!! IN the end doesnt ownership have the last say or does the GM or whoever have free reign and do whatever? Whatever it is ISNT WORKING!!!!!!!!!! Does the owner even care that the Titans are an embarrassment to the NFL? The Titans would have a tough time beating a top 5 college team!!! Take care Jim
Jim: Hey Bud. Well, I guess it stopped on Sunday. And your streak of not making it into the mailbag ended today. The owner hires football decision-makers to run the football team. So yeah, GM Mike Borgonzi makes the calls on the personnel if that's what you're asking.
Steve Rochelle from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Question: Wow!!! 1st half of the game the team looked like we were going for another loss!!! I don't what the coaches or players said during halftime or someone must have given them a confidence pill because they played lights out!!!!!! That's what Titans fans want to see and root for. I'll eat crow when I need to but the play like this will have to continue before I do!!!! I still think some coaching changes need to happen!!!
Jim: What's the win limit for you to eat crow, Steve? I looked this up and crow apparently tastes like a pigeon. You can just eat a pigeon if that's easier.
Ryan Jones from Dover, Arkansas
Question: Congratulations to all of the players and coaching staff! What a game. You can't under credit the offense, but a special thanks to the defense and that one amazing interception on the sideline. Really quite a game, hope we can continue it on to the next. And an even more special thanks to you Jim for doing this mail bag. Hope this one has a lot more positive posts than the last ones.
Jim: Appreciate it, Ryan.
Will Rubino from Memphis, Tennessee
Question: What a great first win! Go Titans! Unfortunately living in Memphis, I was unable to watch the game because it was not broadcast on the local Fox station. As a lifelong Titans fan, it would have been so great to watch this first win. But every year, there are a few Titans games that are not aired on the local Memphis Fox station. This is frustrating for many reasons but especially because it makes no sense to me why the Titans would not be broadcast to at least the home state for fans to watch.
I know others have messaged you before me about this problem. We Memphians have been encouraged to contact our local Fox station to ask them to broadcast the Titans game. I have contacted the local Fox station and learned that the local Fox station does not always have control over whether or not they can broadcast the Titans game. The local station told me that the national Fox Sports decides which games to broadcast in the Memphis area. The local station said that when Fox Sports gives them a choice of which game to broadcast, the local station will choose the Titans, but many times Fox Sports does not give the local station a choice. This weekend for example, the Memphis Fox channel showed the Saints/Giants game.
My question is this: what can the Titans organization do to fix this problem so that all Titans games can at least be broadcast every week throughout the state of Tennessee? As a lifelong Titans fan who has been watching since I was 8 years old when they were the Tennessee Oilers in 1997, I want to watch every game, even if the Titans are terrible. I grew up in Nashville so I got to watch every game as a kid. Many years ago, I lived in Knoxville and the Titans were also broadcast there every week, even the terrible year where we went 2-14. It wasn't until I moved to Memphis years ago that I was unable to watch Titans games on television for the first time while living in the state of Tennessee. CBS is good about showing our games, even when we are winless. What I've also learned is the Titans organization has signed contracts with CBS Sports and Fox Sports so that all Titans games are shown at least in middle Tennessee every week.
Seeing as how this is the week the fans are speaking out and Titans ownership is trying to connect more and build rapport with the fans, I think it would be a huge act of commitment to the fans if the Titans organization could sign new contracts with CBS Sports and Fox Sports that guarantee that every single Titans game is broadcast to at least the entire state of Tennessee every single week. This would be a great way to make sure the team represents itself appropriately as the Tennessee Titans, not just the Middle Tennessee Titans. I know I am not the only Titans fan who wants to watch every single game regardless of if we are winning or losing. If this can be done, I know it probably won't happen until next season, but addressing this immediately would also be great!
Thank you for anything you can do Jim to relay this to Titans organization. I appreciate all that you do for us Titans fans to help us stay connected to the team. And it was great meeting and speaking with you at the end of a Titans 5k many years ago! Thank you again and Titan up!
Jim: Hey Will. Appreciate the email. I know how frustrating this might be.
I actually thought the local affiliates made the call myself. I've passed this email along to my superiors so they can look into it as well.
Good to hear from you again.
Vincent Goreau from Juignac, France
Question: Dear Jim. I've been reading you for about 10 years now, I think, but this is my first time writing in from Southwestern France. I've been a die-hard Titans fan since 1999 and I must say that this yearly iteration has been tough to watch at times. There is one thing though that I've had a hard time wrapping my head around the past couple of weeks and I hoped that maybe you could give me a clue about what is going on: why the hell are we putting Cody Barton instead of Cedric Gray out there on nickel packages alongside Anthony Hill Jr.? I mean, Barton is a savvy vet, a good run stopper and an ok zone defender, but he's a terrible man cov LB. I'm not even saying that Cedric Gray is the second coming of Fred Warner or anything, but when I see Cody Barton lined up in the slot in nickel packages (as I saw several times last Sunday), I'm like what the holy molly... Any clue into Robert Saleh's thinking on that one? Thanks for all you do, sir, and take care!
Jim: Hey Vincent. Good to hear from you, all the way from France. I've had several people ask me about this. I actually talked to Cedric about it last week. Their numbers, by the way, were closer in the Colts game – Barton played 44 snaps, compared to 38 for Gray. It was much more one-sided the week before against the Texans. It's been a coaching staff decision, because they value Barton in certain aspects of the game. We'll see if this continues, and again, it shifted a bit in Indy – the week before it was 64 snaps for Barton, and 28 for Gray.
Karch Lanning from Austin, Texas
Question: Jim, Karch checking back in from down here in Austin.
Credit where credit's due—the defense finally tightened up the edges, and walking out of Indy with a division win feels pretty good.
More than anything, Carnell Tate is looking like the real deal. The way he stems his routes, creates immediate separation, and catches everything in his zip code makes him look like a seasoned vet already. Between you and me, Jim, I know a few quarterbacks down here in Austin who would give an arm and a leg to throw to a target like Carnell next year.
As for Cam, he certainly keeps us on the edge of our seats. You have to respect his flair for the dramatic, even if his internal clock in the pocket operates in its own time zone. When the off-script magic hits, it's fun to watch—we just have to survive the journey getting there.
Does the coaching staff feel Carnell is ready to be fed as the unquestioned first read, or are they going to keep asking the offense to live on pure improvisation?
Hook 'em and Titan Up, Jim.
Jim: I'm with you on Tate – he's getting better, and I think he is going to be really good.
Cam needs to be better, the offense still isn't getting things done like they need to be.
Carnell needs to be targeted as much as possible.
As for your Longhorns and Arch, woof…
Howard Turner from Atlanta, Georgia
Question: Waddup Jim "The Reason" Wyatt?!! #JDubbb #IGot5Questions
How does it feel?! #My1stQuestion
Are you as relieved as I am? #My2ndQuestion
I've been waiting for my first chance of positivity to join the mailbag! #ICouldntJoinThePityParty #YallStopPilingOnJimbo
It has been a looong month of heartbreaking ball and I felt your pain reading and responding to all the doom and gloom week after week.
Do you ever consider skipping the mailbag after bad weeks? #ForYourMentalHealth #My3rdQuestion
NowLetsLightenTheMoodALilBit
I celebrated my birthday last week and all I wanted was an October dub and my boyz wasted no time and got it done for me! #ForUsAll #ComplementaryFootball #All3Phases #MyBirfdayDub
Did I hear you predicted Tate's first career tub this week? #WeDoinVisorPredictionsNow? #4thQuestion
Looks like the fellas learned something from the exact same situation with the Eagles apparently. #CloseTheDoor #GetAStopGetTheDub #Growth #LessonsNotLosses #IWasHoldinMyBreathTho
Do you think this performance is a one-off or a positive trend? #MyLastQuestion
Hopefully this outcome can buy some time from the fanbase to allow this young team/staff to grow into a winner. As you well know, the sky was falling and it was time to demolish the new stadium before it opened. It's gutwrenching to lose like we have lately, but I must admit we're closer to 3-2 than 1-5. Hopefully the team believes it and can make it show more in the win column. And who knows I just might get a chance to revisit the VICTORY MAILBAG this month. #FeelFreeToUseThat #UntilNextTime
TitanUp!!
Jim: Good to see #HashagHoward back in here.
Richard Colestock from St Cloud, Florida
Question: Hey Jim..... There IS a God!!!!!
Jim: Glad to see you're in a better mood, Richard.
Dan McFall from Four Oaks, North Carolina
Question: Well it's time. Sit Wards behind on the bench. He's learning nothing on the field except how to be a failure. He's learned that mediocrity is acceptable from the coaches because they keep running him out there like a shiny new toy. The fans deserve something to look forward to. And starting Cam ain't it. He's a bust now and will be next week too.
Jim: Just try to enjoy the win, Dan. It had been a while.
Luis Linares from Ciudad de Mexico
Question: Hola, Jim. Una excelente victoria de los Titanes. Hac�a mucho tiempo que no me emocionaban. M�s bien me frustraban cada fin de semana. Pero no quiero que este victoria tape algunas cosas negativas del equipo. He visto todos los partidos de Cam Ward en la NFL y siento que no est� hecho para esta liga. Su rendimiento en los primeros cinco partidos de esta temporada y en esta victoria ha sido ineficiente, por decir lo menos. La primera mitad de Cam en este ultimo partido fue desastroso. Gracias a la defensa y a los equipos especiales se gan�. Pero Cam tuvo muy poco m�rito en la victoria. Saludos Jim, y ojal� los Titanes de aqu� en adelante se conviertan en un mejor equipo de la NFL. Tiempo al tiempo. Saludos, Jim.
Jim: Hola, Luis. Sí, fue agradable ganar. Hacía tiempo que no ocurría. Pero este equipo todavía tiene que mejorar mucho, especialmente en ataque. Admito que puede resultar frustrante ver a Cam. Todos queremos que rinda mejor, pero está claro que aún no ha llegado a ese nivel. Aun así, el equipo está siendo paciente con él. ¡Ánimo y gracias por escribir!
Chris Berry from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: I think we can all agree that the win feels a touch better because it was the Colts. Hate that organization. I think we can all agree that the Titans offense was still terrible. We needed every bit of 3 turnovers and a special teams TD to pull out a win. I know Saleh isn't going to panic, but at some point there has to be a change in the offensive staff right? Is the leash getting short yet?
Jim: Hey Chris. I guess I've never "hated" the Colts as much as I've always felt like they haven't respected the Titans very much of late. And, let's be honest, the Titans haven't deserved much respect of late with their play, and their record. The Colts, for one, had beaten this franchise six games in a row. But right now, the Colts shouldn't be looking down on any team – the Titans went in there and won, and they fired their GM, which speaks to their current standing. We agree the offense needs to be a lot better, I'll just say that.
J McCullough from Norman, Oklahoma
Question: There we are. Pastorini and McNair are the only 2 qbs we have developed in the history of this club. Give this kid a chance. I like what I am seeing. The rebuild is happening.
Jim: I know folks want to see it sped up, J. And I know everyone in the building wants it to end well. Time will tell.
Pat Spray from Mason, Tennessee
Question: We win! But……it's the only game that's been blacked out. Dang man, our local network needs to support the titans. Idk if it's above them, but without having a million subscriptions I can't watch em. Anyways, good win for this young team!
Jim: I know you're not alone in your frustration, Pat. With the broadcast rules, that is.
Abram Carpenter from Boston, Indiana
Question: I purchased nfl Sunday ticket so I could watch my team. I bleed Titans colors and all. Currently I am watching them play the Indianapolis colts. I've written in only once prior to this. Please if you get the chance tell Jeffrey Simmons I love him for sticking it out. Honestly I'm loving the defense this year. I'm also loving the small amounts of growth I'm seeing from Ward. Yes I want to smack him at times. But I was in the infantry, nothing happens overnight. I understand that. I love the Nucleus this team has and just simply want the ownership to keep everyone together. I believe as a fan who watches every game that we are actually on track. Sure they suck this year; but let's be honest. I run a machine for a living now and I wasn't stellar at it my first year. Everything takes time. I love my team and simply hope that Amy lets them gel and gain experience as a unit. Titan up and I love them win or lose today.!
Jim: This is among the most positive and optimistic emails as I've received in a while, Abram. Thanks for taking the time.
Have a great week everyone!
