NASHVILLE – The bye week is now in the rear-view mirror.
The Jaguars are now straight ahead for the Tennessee Titans, who will look to begin the second half of the season on a good note.
Let's dive into this Tuesday's mailbag and see how everyone is feeling …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Finnegan Snyder from Overland Park, Kansas
Question: Hey Jim. After the Bengals game, I have a couple of questions about the defense. With Jeffery Simmons gone, how much worse do you think this defense could get? And how important are Amani Hooker and Jacob Martin to keeping it competitive? Hooker had three interceptions and Martin had three sacks against Cincinnati, but can this defense really hold up if it loses more of its best players?
Also, was the Bengals game almost a perfect loss for the Titans? We lost, which helps with our draft position, but Cam Ward had his first 300-yard game, the offense scored 36 points, and the team actually looked competitive. Obviously, nobody wants to keep losing, but is this the kind of progress the team needs right now?
Do you think there were enough positives to take away from this game, or should we be more worried about giving up 43 points and blowing another lead? Thanks, Titan Up!
Jim: Hey Finnegan. Well, for starters, in my mind, there is no such thing as a "perfect loss." This franchise has lost 53 of its last 66 football games. I understand folks are already thinking about draft picks, but the Titans need to start winning more games. As for the defense, it was ranked 26th in the NFL through seven weeks with Simmons, so, let's face it, it wasn't great even with him. That's not an opinion, it's a fact. Now that he's gone, across the board the team needs to find ways to get better. Others will now have an opportunity to play more, to grow, and to improve. Lastly, just because Cam and the offense looked good against the Bengals doesn't mean it will happen again on Sunday against the Jaguars. It's a week-to-week league, and the Titans need to do it again and again and again.
Joe Giachetti from Sound Beach, New York
Question: Hey Jim, hope you enjoy(ed) the bye week. Here's another Cam Ward question for you. Hypothetically, let's say that Ward remains on his current pace of statistics, the Titans win a few more games, but there's no significant "jump" for him from year one to year two. It's safe to assume that he'll be back as the starter for a third year right? Even if the Titans don't win another game, I don't see them letting Saleh go after just one season. There could be a case made for whether Daboll should go, but with Ward having different offensive coordinators for his whole college and NFL career, I'd imagine they'd want to keep that pairing for another year. I guess my thought is, even if we see more of the same the rest of the year, we're still getting Saleh/Daboll/Ward in 2027.
Jim: Hey Joe. I hate to speculate on the future of players or coaches after eight games. I think Cam needs to show improvement in the second half of the season to convince the decision-makers he can be the guy moving forward. If he regresses, then I think you'd have to consider other options in 2027, and beyond. That's just my thinking. But I do expect Cam to keep trending in the right direction. I can't see a scenario where Saleh isn't back, and I think he should be. Yes, the team is 1-7, but he inherited a team coming off back-to-back 3-14 seasons and despite the record, this year's squad is clearly improved from a year ago. As for Daboll, I'm going to end by saying we're not even halfway through the season and it really is premature to talk about all this, even if I played along for a bit.
David Dubois from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: So with this season being the last season in the stadium, will the Titans host like a farewell event for Nissan stadium before they demolish it? An event that the fans would be able to attend?
Jim: Hey David. The farewell event will be on January 3, when the Titans face the Steelers in the home finale. I encourage you and all Titans fans to buy tickets, and keep Steelers fans from taking over the stadium.
Alf Ritter from Munich, Germany
Question: Hi Jim. Despite the loss against the Bengals - the game was encouraging!
When it comes to trades (Jeff Simmons) - people emphasize the business side of the sport. Acknowledged.
Still, I don't turn on the (pay) TV on Sunday because the NFL is such a great business. I want to see my team win!
And with the compensation (draft picks) in such a trade there comes not just the obligation to pick the right players but also to coach and develop them. I can only hope that both works out.
My question: After half a season under our new coaching staff - how do you assess the development of our defensive players drafted in the last two years?
It may give an impression of what is ahead in the years to come.
Thank you for all you do!
Jim: Hi Alf. I'll stick to the draft picks on defense. First, the 2025 draft: Femi has improved, but is still raw and is developing. I really like Kevin Winston Jr., and I think in time he's going to be making plays like Amani Hooker has been making. Marcus Harris has been one of the most underrated draft picks in recent years. As far as this year's class goes, it's early. I want to see more from Keldric Faulk, but his coaches rave about him. Jackie Marshall is still learning, and developing in practices, but he clearly needs to improve to get on the field on Sundays. Anthony Hill Jr. was a great pick and he's proving it each week.
Russell Nicolai from Hillsboro, Oregon
Question: First and foremost Jim, why are all the Titans drops and give aways only for three or four states. It is so frustrating to be a fan out of state. I have stuck with this organization very long time. 1978 to be exact raised Titans fans and even Grandchildren as fans. Travels to Houston as well as Nashville to see games and left many resources (dollars) to do so. We want to expand our small market yet here we are excluding so many from our team functions seems ridiculous. I can also tell you it's the reason we lose fans from other states. What are your thoughts and what do you believe are the organizations thoughts on this situation? Thanks Russ
Jim: Hey Russ. I don't have any control over the team functions, and I didn't know there was a restriction to be honest. My opinion is this team needs as many fans as it can get.
Benjamin Mead from Cooperstown, New York
Question: Hey Jim! I haven't had the time to write to you in a while. Some as a result of a busy schedule and some I think is it has just not been much fun to talk Titans. But with last week's win I feel rejuvenated! My question for you is what is the deal with Nick Singleton? I thought with the injury to Spears he might get a chance to see some playing time, but I see they have activated Mullings. I was really excited when the Titans took him to see what he was capable of. I realize he was a later round pick but considering he's a RB coming of injury 5th round is not that late. Has he simply not lived up to expectation, has he struggled with pass protection? I'm a little surprised that he hasn't been given an opportunity. Any insight? Thanks
Jim: Hey Benjamin. I like the looks of Singleton, and think he's a really good runner. I think his time is coming. I asked Saleh about this not long ago and he said it had to do pass pro, and Nick needing to get up to speed more. So, you're right in your thinking.
James Kauffman from York, Pennsylvania
Question: Good evening Jim. I wanted to get your opinion on the new rivalry jersey we will be wearing against Jacksonville. I personally love it. I like it so much I bought the Steve McNair high end jersey all stitched. I think that helmet is also pretty awesome as well. I personally was bummed when we got away from our 2 tone blue . This is a nice return to form with this jersey. I do want to know if we could continue to wear it after this year for a game or two since most teams are wearing more than one helmet a year now. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. For the other Titans fans who haven't seen the full uniform check it out.
Jim: Hey James. I think they're cool – the team is actually billing them as the "Music City" collection. And, the uniform will remain in the team's uniform rotation for three seasons, counting this year.
Kevin Bell from Memphis, Tennessee
Question: Hello, I'm only wondering if we definitely looking to keep our HC Robert after this NFL season! Because I think he could do wonders for our organization as a 1999-2000 Titans fan!
Jim: Hey Kevin. I fully expect Saleh to be the team's head coach in 2027 and beyond.
Karim Labib from Mahwah, New Jersey
Question: Are we going to see a blue on blue combo this year? Or will blue always be with white britches? Just want to know if it's in the cards. Thanks!
Jim: Well, Karim, you're actually going to see blue on blue this Sunday – but it will be the navy blue.
Have a great week everyone!
