NASHVILLE – The Titans return to action om Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, and the mission in clear:
Find a way to win consecutive games since November 2022.
Yeah, it's been that long, and this is a streak that needs to end.
While we wait to see if it happens, let's jump into the latest mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Finnegan Snyder from Overland Park, Kansas
Question: Hey Jim! Thanks for taking the time to answer Titans fans' questions.
After the comeback win against the Colts, I have a few questions about where this team is headed.
First, how encouraged should we actually be by Cam Ward's performance against Indianapolis? We got the win, but the offense still struggled to produce consistently. What specific improvements have you seen in Cam's development, and do you believe he's still on track to become the franchise quarterback we drafted him to be?
Second, with the trade deadline approaching, do you think the Titans will consider moving any veterans for future draft picks, or has the win over the Colts changed how the front office views this season? Which positions or players would make the most sense to address through trades?
Third, what was your reaction to the release of Jordan Elliott? Obviously, the team hasn't shared many details about the incident, but what does this move mean for the defensive line and the team's plans at that position?
Finally, I know the playoffs seem like a long shot after our start, but is there any realistic path for Tennessee to make a surprising run? What would need to happen over the next several weeks for the Titans to get back into the playoff conversation, and at what point should the organization prioritize evaluating young players and preparing for 2027 instead? Thanks again, Jim. Titan Up!
Jim: Hey Finnegan. Well, I don't think the Titans won last week because of the offense, which made just enough plays, but not nearly enough. I've said in here since the beginning of the season, Cam needs to play better, but it's not just him. A lot of guys have to be better on offense. And, I'd love to see Cam be put in a position to do more. It's too early to say whether he's going to become the franchise quarterback or not, which is why I think he needs to play. … Been asked about the trade deadline a lot, too, and my take remains the same: I'd rather hold on to players that give you the best chance to win. If you want to find out as much as you can about Cam, aren't you hurting the cause by trading away players? I've seen the speculation, like everyone else. … As for Elliott, I think the team, and coach Robert Saleh, made the best of a very difficult situation. There could have been a much worse outcome. Elliott's departure gives others more of a chance, including Nazir Stackhouse and Timmy Horne. … Lastly, I'm not about to make any grand predictions about playoff possibilities after winning one game. The way to get into the playoff conversation is by beating the Browns, then the Bengals, then the Jaguars, then the Cowboys… You get what I'm saying.
Will Casey from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Jim, As we head toward this Sunday against the Browns, I wanted to share a few thoughts on where we stand. I'm optimistic that the Titans can pull off a victory, though I know it won't be easy.
People forget that the last time the Cleveland Browns held the number one spot in the AFC North was back in 2014—twelve years ago. It's clear they've become a much more functional and improved football team since then. It feels like their coach locked them in the locker room and made them eat their Wheaties.
If we have any chance of defeating them this weekend, our offense really needs to hustle and put some pep in their step. We simply cannot rely solely on special teams and our defense to carry us like we did last Sunday against the Colts. The Browns are proving themselves to be a very tough opponent, and we need to match that intensity right out of the gate.
Jim: Hey Will. The Browns are 4-2, which is impressive. They've gotten there playing ugly, but by winning games late, with Deshaun Watson engineering game-winning drives in the clutch. This league is all about winning close games. If the Titans had been able to do that in some of these games earlier in the season, folks would be looking at them differently today as well. This is a winnable game the Titans need to find a way to win.
Aaron Quarles from Cape Coral, Florida
Question: Hey Jim! I missed the mailbag of the immediate reaction following the big win but aside from the win, watching the continued passion from Ward and Simmons, celebrating with each other and Ward celebrating with the defense and special teams was the best thing I saw during the game. They both showed another layer of their leadership and contrary to the last couple of years this seems like a team that can use this momentum to build on instead. Bottom line the team is not that good yet, for the most part we lose games instead of win them but most of our losses have been very competitive and would've been wins with a more experienced and disciplined team so I see that we are getting better I just hope everyone has patience with cam and the staff to get some stability for a change and it will pay off
Jim: Hey Aaron. Well, it's not too late to dive in, and I'm glad you did. Need to win another game tomorrow.
Jason Knight from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is well your way. I know it has to be better after a win. I was glad to see one as i know many of Titans fan are. I haven't sent anything in a while because well of you cant say anything nice. I also wanted to watch the team a little bit. I believe Saleh is doing a good job. Ward on the other hand looks worse than last year. I honestly believe the team won in spite of him. He hangs onto the ball way too long and his foot work isn't good either. He only looks somewhat decent when he plays with urgency. I know you and others wont agree with me, but i think they should put Mitch in just to see if its Daboll or Cam. Thank you Jim for all you do and GOD Bless you and your family.
Jim: Hey Jason. I like Trubisky – he's looked good in camp, and he has looked good in practices. But, and I've said this in here in recent weeks, I just don't like the idea of kicking the can down the road with Cam. I think the organization needs to see if he can get better, turn a corner, and turn into a franchise quarterback. You're not going to find that out with him sitting on the bench. And, I don't think anyone wants to be sitting in the same place, with these kinds of questions, this time next year. That's just my take.
Corry Webster from Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Question: Hey Jim. Great team win. All around the boys played hard and got the W. my question is about the offense especially the tight end position. Feel like Gunnar Helm had a lot of hype around him and appears to be a ghost out there. Was the hype pre warranted or is Cam not targeting the tight ends in this scheme?
Jim: Hey Corry. Great question. I thought Gunnar Helm would be more of a factor, and have been surprised with his limited opportunities, and impact. Cam, for what it's worth, said they want to get Gunnar more involved moving forward. We'll see if it turns out that way.
Kevin Jayman from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: First love your coverage of the team. Two questions,1) after this game will we see both Gray and Hill starting? It seems like Barton is strong. I also noted in the ,4th quarter, Ward actually moved the guys around to pass protect. One time he brought helm back inside to chip on the edge to help Moore. Another time he brought Ayomamor in to help as the defense overloaded ove Latham. That should show Ward has the ability to read at presnap adjust the protection. It also seems that the team in the second half ran 12 personnel 2TE sets! Allowing the move to bring helm in to help Moore. Moore also had a higher pff rating reported by another reporter.will we see more 12? So gray get more snaps?
Jim: Hey Kevin. This has been a popular question. Their numbers, as I pointed out in the Tuesday mailbag, 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. Anthony Hill is going to be on the field. We'll have to see how things go with Gray and Barton moving forward. Listening to coaches this week, it sounds like Gray will be in the mix more and more.
Carlos Perez from Columbus, Indiana
Question: Hi Jim, I know there is always room for improvement, but a win is a win! My only question is about Nick Singleton being a healthy scratch, how is he looking in practice? Thanks and Titan Up!
Jim: Hey Carlos. I've liked the looks of Nick Singleton. He's still working on areas of his game that need to keep improving in order for him to be a regular contributor. One of these is pass protection.
Jon Kerlikowske from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim! Great to get the 1st win. Defense looked like what we all had been looking for, now the offense needs to catch up so the D doesn't have to play so many snaps. My question has to do with Gunnar Helm's stint in the witness protection program. Poor guy has 2 targets in the last 3 games. Really expected him to be more involved. Is he managing an injury or having trouble with the playbook? Hope to see him more involved soon. Let's go beat the Browns for a home win!!
Jim: Hey Jon. I touched on Gunnar earlier. We'll see if this is the week. I think he's capable of doing more myself, but to this point both helm and tight end Daniel Bellinger have caught a lot fewer passes than I thought they'd have at this point.
Gregory Smith from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim!!! Finally got our 1st Dub(WIN) of the Season, thank 2 Jeffrey Simmons who's the Heart & Soul of the Defense who Control 2 of the Team's 6 Sacks,Strip Forced Fumbled Jonathan Taylor and Recovered the ball to score out 1st 3 points in second half, 2 Interceptions as well,shutting the Colts down after tying the game, our Offense was able to run some,Cam's Touchdown to Carnell Tate for his first Touchdown, plenty more to come,out Offense needs to do more,at least 2 more field goals to make it 26-20 but also finished, The Offensive line deserves the Credit for not allowing a sack,but The Special teams is reason that set us with points and the punt blocked from Julius Chestnut w James Williams and Femi Oladejo picked it up return it for the Touchdown to Take the league. It wasn't pretty but I'll take a ugly win anytime as everyone. Brian Daboll needs to do more to help Cam Ward & the Offense to helped the Defense, & Special Teams if we built on that before the bye. My Co-worker at told me she had faith ,I did too but after the first the half, I was like but it's not how you start, it's how you finished the game. Happy for Robert Saleh on his 1st win as our Coach, Happy for Carnell Tate with his 1st Titans, I told him on Messenger it was coming and many more to come. I'll be more happy if we can play Complimentary Football against Cleveland Browns at home for our second win,back to back since 2022,we snapped a 7 game losing streak, 11 game losing streak against our Division, and The Colts. Hall of Famer & Super Bowl Champion Adam Vinatirie'Jr Colts' Ring Of Honor took a jab at us before out Comeback win,He said it's a Bad Day to Be a Titan", well we ate his Words,it was a Bad Day to be a Colts,they fired thier GM the next day. Sorry but sorry,we need to built a foundation, keep that feeling!!! What needs to be done Jim for us to go forward heading into the Right Direction? Thank you Jim,sorry for writing so much,thank you for all that you do for the Titans and us Fans,hopefully more Positives than Negatives, I still believe in Cam Ward, he's young,he's stll learning, he's works hard,Brian Daboll needs to make sure he puts our offense for Success and opened the playbook,yes,we need to clean the Turnovers, penalties as well but overall, it felt like a huge weight off our Shoulders Jim,I loved my Team:WIN,LOSE OR TIED. TITAN UP 🏈 FOREVER!!!!
Jim: Way to close us out, Gregory!
Have a great weekend everyone!
