NASHVILLE – Well, we can now kiss the bye week goodbye.
The Titans are back at it, ready to return to action on Sunday against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium.
Eight games remain in the 2025 season, and then it will be full-scale draft talk (although I know that's already on the mind of a lot of fans).
Let's dive into another edition of the Titans mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Mike Temple from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Good morning Jim. The bye week was a nice break for everyone and it's good to have some positive news to look forward to. First, our schedule lightens up a little bit. After playing the toughest strength of schedule in the league to this point including several top 10 defenses, the collective win percentage of our remaining opponents is currently in the middle of the pack. Second, the Tennessee Titans are on the clock. Yes that means we've won the fewest games, but surely everyone can agree that our roster needs strengthening and what better way to do that than by picking first in the draft! Or at least having the capital for trading to multiply our picks. Last and not least, after watching Mike Borgonzi's impressive press conference I finally have confidence that we have a GM who knows how to build a competitive roster. After successive 7-10, 6-11, 3-14, and 1-8 seasons we need to break out of this death spiral. Here's hoping our future is starting to turn around, Titan-up! Mike
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Mike. It's going to be an interesting second half of the season. I know there will be fans rooting for the team to win, and some rooting for the team to lose, because of what it means for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pierre Baldoni from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: I have been a season ticket holder since the Titans came to Nashville so I have seen it all. While I understand things go on beyond the scenes that we are not privy to, Mike Borgonzi's press conference and his remarks concerning Jarvis Brownlee had me a little irritated. Jarvis looks like he is on his way to being a shut down corner for the Jets. In fact, they apparently felt so good about him, they traded Sauce to the Colts (understanding that two first rounders was a nice haul in and of itself). Mike's comments about the Titans not having the ability to "develop" him, and Jarvis apparently being a little difficult, so the Titans basically gave him away, does not speak well of this franchise as a real NFL franchise. I have literally never heard anyone say that or do that in my years following the NFL. It's really sad. This kind of reminds me of when Randy Moss was coming into the NFL and the Titans passed on him for Kevin Dyson. No disrespect to Kevin, but we can all agree he was no Randy Moss. But the Titans passed on Moss as well because of supposed character issues. The Titans probably win the Super Bowl against the Rams if we have Randy Moss, and maybe another one. The point is that talented players win NFL games, and to give Jarvis away for nothing because we cannot develop him either on or off the field is a prime example why the Titans are not successful. And I note that the Jets seem perfectly happy with him. Have a great week Jim!
Jim: Hey Pierre. I have said in here in the past I didn't necessarily like the Brownlee trade myself, but I also understand why the move was made. I'm sure you saw where Borgonzi hinted at him not being a great fit. If you're trying to build a new culture, you can't let certain things slide. Mike was put in charge of changing the fate of this organization, and he knows what a winning culture looks like from his days with the Chiefs. Personally, I liked his honesty about the situation during last week's presser. As for the whole Dyson/Moss debate, that was a long time ago. And no disrespect to Brownlee, who I like, he's not the Randy Moss of cornerbacks. Not sure if you noticed, but he was the lowest-graded Jets player this past Sunday. Have a great week, Pierre!
Jody Owen from Guangzhou, China
Question: Hey Jim, thanks for all you do keeping me updated in the Eastern hemisphere. I've been a long time Oilers-Jerry Glanville/Titans fan. Before I moved here I would go watch a game or 2 with my Dad every year. My question is have we ever had a GM do what Mike Borgonzi did in the middle of the season? I'm a glass half full guy, but he gave me a lot more hope for the future. As he said, Cam and our new young core are improving as we gave Chargers a tough test, hopefully give the rest of the teams a handful. TITAN UP!
Jim: Hi Jody. Good to hear from you, all the way from China! I've covered this team since 1999, and I can't remember that ever taking place before here. Most general managers leave the fall to the head coaches, and then have media availability during the offseason, around free agency, the draft, heading into training camp, etc. With the state of things now, following the recent trades, a coaching change, a 1-8 start, etc., I also agree it was great to hear from him and get his perspective on things. And I thought he did a great job at the presser. Mike inherited a mess, team coming off a 3-14 season with a head coach who was on thin ice when he got here. He's since been fired. The change in fortune for the Titans was never going to be something that would happen quickly, but in time I think he's going to help get things turned around.
Charles Olroy from Austin, Texas
Question: Hello Jim. I have a conspiracy theory for you. I don't think Amy and the city of Nashville wants to win and here's why: So, Nashville is a party destination. People from the opposing teams travel to Nashville, go to the game and then hit the bars and restaurants and book the hotels. Local Nashvillians go to the game then immediately go home because they have to work the next day. When the Titans are winning games the season ticket holders and locals in general go to the game. This equals less tickets for the opposing team therefore less people in the bars and restaurants and hotels. So vise versa When they are losing that means less locals go to the game and more tickets available for the other teams. I know what I am talking about. I come from out of town to see the Titans so I go to the bars afterwards. Filled with Buffalo, Colts and Cinci fans. People wearing Titans gear in a bar it's a 100 to 1. Literally hard to find someone wearing Titans gear. Anyway that is exactly what Amy and the city of Nashville want because these guys buy the drinks. There is a 25% surcharge on each drink, hotel tax, restaurant tax all goes to pay for the 2 Billion $ stadium.
In other words: The worse the Titans play, the more money they make.
That's my theory and I'm sticking to it!
Thanks for listening
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Charles. But we'll have to agree to disagree …
Jonathan Martinez from Kansas City, Missouri
Question: Hi Jim. Hope you were able to take a minor breather during the bye week like our Titans.
Looking at the mid season, how do you see grade the Titans currently with the state of no coach, losses and other negatives this season? Am I the only one stoked for the future here? I love how much playing time these recently drafted rookies are receiving. They're doing so well even though they are not getting the wins. Bumps in the road are always going to happen. I'm just happy they're all getting so much starting time against some damn good competition. I mean come on, were we really to believe this season was about to be a playoff season? Get real people.
Also, how have you heard Will Levis is doing? Is he around during these weekday preps with the team at all? I'm also excited to see if they keep him. I mean where are we going to find a nice reliable back up that's young and ready to roll like Will next season? I'd love if we kept him considering he's under contract anyway. I say this considering Will's season was not much different to Cam Wards, even though I think Cam will be the guy moving forward. Might as well! #FUTURE
Titan up baby. Keep your chins up everyone.
Jim: Hey Jonathan. Got a little bit of a break. Borrowed my neighbor's chainsaw and cut down four trees in my yard. Saw the Springsteen movie. Watched Vandy beat Auburn. On my free Sunday, my wife put me to work on the Christmas decorations. It was a pretty productive weekend. … As for the Titans, I don't know you can give anything but a failing grade for where things stand at the moment. Do I think things will get better? Yes, in time. As for Levis, I haven't seen him in months – he's been rehabbing in California, away from the team.
George Steiner from Jackson, Mississippi
Question: Jim, it is very sad that the best thing to happen to the Titans so far this year is the Saints winning this week, giving the titans the drivers seat for the number one pick. Nine games into the year, that is already the best thing that can come out of this year. This team makes me sad.
Jim: Hey George, don't forget the Jets won, too. Cheer up!
Bill Holmes from Fairport, New York
Question: Hi Jim - two questions if I am permitted:
(1) Cam is doing everything he can and it's too early to tell how he will turn out, but if you remember I was one who wanted to "trade down" since there were offers of multiple #1s and #2s and we needed help EVERYWHERE. I think we are still two years away from over .500 football, and I don't see us winning anther game this year. If we do get the #1 or #2 pick, and the FO is sold on Cam, do you think they will be more willing to trade down in 2026?
(2) Given the rebuild, is there ANY possibility our "interim" coach gets a one-year extension with the plan to offer/attract a top candidate for 2027 when the new stadium opens and we're (hopefully) closer to being a competitive/winning team?
Jim: Hey Bill. I don't remember you being the one who said that. Heck, a lot of people said that. But it's too early to know whether picking Cam at 1 was the right or wrong move. I still think Cam is going to be really good. He needs more talent around him. … As for McCoy getting a one-year extension and waiting until 2027 to find a coach, I sure haven't heard anything along these lines. I'm expecting a new coach to be hired in January.
Asa Fitzpatrick from Columbus, Ohio
Question: I'm sure your mailbag is filled with comments about Mike Borgonzi's press conference but I'll add another one. I was very impressed with Mike. This dude knows what's going on and I believe he will right this ship. Shout out to you and Paul and Teresa and all the other reporters too. You guys asked him all the questions us fans were asking. I really appreciate that. Go Titans!!
Jim: Hi Asa. I thought Mike did a great job as well.
Ryan Stowe from Sarasota, Florida
Question: Hey Jim, much respect for you and the work you put in brother! I was wondering, what names we should look out for in the head coaching hunt this coming off season?
I understand the team isn't thinking too much on it at the moment with the season still in full swing but, I've had my eye on Joe Brady (Bills OC), however, I haven't read anything regarding him in any HC chatter. Are there some other interesting names you're looking out for personally?
Thank you in advance, excited for the future with Cam and GM Borgonzi! Be blessed, Jim
Jim: Hey Ryan. I appreciate it. I hate to throw names out there, because it's so early. I know a few guys I'd be intrigued by, one who is currently not coaching, and another former head coach who is. And yes, there will be some attractive coordinators. But there will be other candidates who present themselves, and keep in mind there will be other openings across the league as well. The Titans might not get their first pick. Personally, I'd prefer someone with head coaching experience, but that shrinks the pool, and I don't think the decision-makers want to rule anyone out. When Brian Callahan was hired, he checked the box of "offensive coach." The Titans need to find the best coach, regardless of his background. The team will cast a wide net.
Have a great week everyone!
