NASHVILLE – How did everyone enjoy the first weekend in a long time without football?
Yeah, me, too.
Throw in a bad case of the flu to go with it and it made for a dreadful weekend.
I'm finally coming out of it, and ready to jump back in the mailbag.
Let's go…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Jacob Wilson from Collierville, Tennessee
Question: I've been a fan for almost 20 years. I'm hitting 40 years old this year. I became a Titan fan when my late uncle who tragically passed had supported the Titans all the way until his death. I say this because I need the team, as well as the leaders and the owner, to know the seriousness of the matter. I know we must be patient now, given the fact that we have fresh new faces. But I want the entire Titans team and the leaders above them to ask themselves these questions, each one a more difficult question than the one before:
What year is this? How long has the Titans existed as a team? What year was it when the Titans went to the Super Bowl? How many years since then was that up to now? How long of those years since the Titans went to the Super Bowl that each member, each leader, and even the owner had be a part of their position? Is there any excuse for the record we had last year? (I want you to hear yourself answer these questions.)
Yes, football is a game. But all we hear from ESPN are the success and records from the likes of Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers, Patriots, Seahawks, and others. Yes, you win some and you lose some. I get that. But this is the big leagues. If you have room for improvement, then take the initiative. There's an excuse for winning some games and losing some games, and there's an excuse for not getting to the Super Bowl this year or that year. But you need to take a hard look.
So my last two questions based on all of these answers that I know are the answers: ….. Why? And, what are you going to do about it?
From the bottom of my heart, Titans. That name is meant for warriors. They are known in Greek stories to be extremely powerful beings that rival the strength of gods. Think about it. I believe I. All you guys, and I rock #98 Jeffrey Simmons!
Jim: Pretty good pep talk, Jacob. Folks should be tired of the losing by now, because the team has been stuck in a rut over the past few years. Folks have been hired to do something about it, and help change the vision, and results. I think that's in the process of happening. Now, the right players have to be picked in free agency and the NFL Draft. The culture needs to change in the building, and the only way that truly changes is by winning. Hopefully you, and a lot of loyal Titans, will be rewarded for your patience in the not-so-distant future.
Ashton Conrad from Rome, New York
Question: Hey Jim! My name is Ashton. I was a Titans fan since Cam Ward was drafted so I'm pretty new to the sport. But I do still have one question. How are you going to address the Offensive Line? Just more training or a new draft all together? Because I do truly think that the O-Line is what we need to fix to get to the playoffs.
Jim: Hey Ashton. I think the o-line will be addressed in a number of areas. Part of it will be new techniques and a new approach with a new offensive line coach, and staff. The team hired Carmen Bricillo as its new o-line coach. He has a really good reputation from his time in the league with the Giants, Patriots and Raiders. But there will be some changes in personnel as well, and that will happen in free agency and the NFL Draft. I agree things need to improve.
Jason L from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Has there been any thought given to what will be the first event held in the new Nissan Stadium? It feels anti-climactic to have a pre-season game be the first event there. It feels like a regular season game should be how the world is introduced to our new stadium. Any thought given to playing the preseason games in 2027 at Vanderbilt or Geodis Park, and saving the opening of the stadium for the regular season? Looking forward to it opening!
Jim: Hey Jason. Yes, there has been a lot of thought given to this. And, I've heard of a number of possibilities. The first event in the new Nissan Stadium won't be a Titans preseason game. Keep in mind the four-day CMA Fest will be held in June 2027, and there will be other events as well before the Titans play in the stadium. Stay tuned.
Eli Decko from Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Question: Coaching staff is in hand. Overall if it stays together more than 1 season it could be good. Now we are full on into mock draft season. So many writers and TV people are openly stressing to build around Cam Ward. Even Steve Young said it. So why do I keep seeing Defensive End/Edge Rusher? We need a real WR1. Carnell Tate is that guy. Unless they trade for a WR, maybe even bring AJ home. Defense is much deeper in this draft and we could get some really good players in rd 2-5 this year. I see a lot of Michigan players falling and I see some Iowa players falling too and defensively they weren't bad. Do you think the Titans finally learn from their past mistakes and stack the draft with Offensive players and hit free agency or trade for some actual players. Unlike the Ridleys and Sneeds (CB I know) like we have recently? Thanks again. See ya in April in Pittsburgh
Jim: A lot TBD, Eli. What happens in free agency a lot of times gives pretty good hints on what might happen in the NFL Draft. You'll get some clues in the next month.
Luther Carter from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Jim please help me! My father is insane for the Titans. He will not stop talking about them day and night. It has gotten to the point that I am thinking about sending him into a insane asylum. I'm sorry that he has been pestering you for all of these years.
Jim: Sounds like the team needs more fans like your pops, Luther! I always enjoy hearing from him.
Don Green from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: When will the Titans kill the rumors and make an official announcement on logo or name change? Too many speculations and PSL folks want to know. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Jim: Hi Don. Believe me, I've seen the chatter, too. My mailbag, and social media feeds, have been overflowing with questions/comments on it for a while now. Just dropping this in here to let folks know I'm not ignoring them, I just can't share anything.
Maximus Freebird from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: What is your definition of a "contender" Jim. The reason I ask is you told me Ryder from South Dakota that Vrabel took over a team that was "contending for years"-your words. Vrabel took over in 2018 the year after we made the playoffs in 2017. Before that '17 season we had not been to the playoffs since 2008. In the 9 seasons between we never won 10 games, had the first pick in the NFL draft '16(that we traded for 2 1st round busts the following year, decent players not 1st rounders) and the 2nd pick in the draft '15. How do you consider that a team that was "contending for years" I am truly curious.
Jim: Fortunately, I have receipts, Maximus. For starters, you're talking about my reply to Bob Easley from Austin, Texas, not Ryder from South Dakota. And, I didn't say Vrabel took over a team that was "contending for years." I said he took over a playoff team, and his job was to take them from good to great. Vrabel then coached a contender for years before things fell off a cliff before he was fired. Go back and read it closer. And, if you want to read more about Vrabel, go to www.patriots.com. The Titans have a new head coach – two removed from Vrabel – and it's time to stop living in the past.
Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Question: Good day Jim! The fun is about to start. Free Agency! I really hope Linderbaum and Rasheed Walker get a good look. Beefing up the O'line, I would hope is at the top of the list of needs. I am also interested in who leaves Tennessee. Hope you get a little break before the FA Frenzy starts and then right into the Draft. Have a great week and as always TITAN UP!!!
Jim: Won't be much of a break on the horizon, Jeremy. Leave for the NFL Combine next week!
Have a great week everyone!
