NASHVILLE – And we're on to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Week 16 is upon us, and the Chiefs visit Nissan Stadium on Sunday to take on the Titans.
No, quarterback Patrick Mahomes won't be on the field. And, both the Chiefs and the Titans have now been eliminated from playoff contention.
But it's still December football, and we'd better appreciate it while it's here – this Titans season will be over soon, and then the countdown will be on to find the next head coach, the next crop of free agents, and the next draft class.
Let's talk about what is happening now, now …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Giuseppe Belloni from Italy
Question: Hi Jim. Greetings from Italy!
I'm a long time reader, first time writer. I've been following the Titans since I was an exchange student in Memphis back in 2000.
I would like to share with you some thoughts about the roster moves and needs that I think are necessary this off season and now your opinion on them:
OFFENSE
Offensive Line
There are solid building blocks on the offensive line, but also some clear needs.
• LT – Dan Moore Jr.: I'm fine with him going forward, but a high-quality backup is needed behind him.
• LG – Peter Skoronski: an absolute lock, though even here a reliable backup would be smart.
• C – Lloyd Cushenberry: solid starter, with Corey Levin as a dependable backup.
• RG – Kevin Zeitler is a free agent, and the rookie Jackson Slater isn't ready to start. This position needs a starting-caliber right guard added in the offseason.
• RT – JC Latham: I still believe he can be the starter. He's a first-round investment and shouldn't be given up on, but a solid tackle backup is necessary.
Tight Ends
It's time for Gunnar Helm to be the starting tight end.
The room still needs a TE2 with stronger blocking ability to complement him.
Wide Receivers
This is the clearest need on offense.
• The Titans need a true WR1.
• At WR2, Calvin Ridley could still fill that role if he stays, or Elic Ayomanor could work.
• Depth is an issue: the team needs a reliable WR4, and possibly a WR3 as well if Ridley leaves.
• In the slot, I'd go with Chimere Dike, with Restrepo as the backup.
Quarterback
No debate here: Cam Ward is the guy, and Will Levis makes sense as the backup.
Running Back
I'm still comfortable with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, though adding another back wouldn't hurt given Spears' injury history.
⸻
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Up front, the core is clear.
T'Vondre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons are locks.
I would also re-sign Joseph-Day, who has been consistently solid.
Beyond that, this group mainly needs depth additions, either late in the draft or via low-cost free agency.
EDGE
This is the biggest need on the entire defense.
The Titans need two high-level starting EDGE rushers.
The rookie Oluwafemi ("Olu") should be the first rotational option and continue developing.
A fourth EDGE is also needed, as Jaylen Harrell currently profiles more as a deep-rotation piece.
Inside Linebacker
Cedric Gray is a clear starter.
Barton could still work next to him.
Behind them, James Williams (entering his second year) is a reasonable backup, but another linebacker should be added for depth.
Safety
At safety, the starters are fine.
Hooker and Winston work well as the starting duo.
Wood is a solid backup, though adding a fourth safety could make sense.
Cornerback
This unit needs a reset.
Right now, Harris is the only corner worth keeping, and even he may be better suited as a nickel.
The defense needs two starting-caliber outside corners, plus an additional backup.
Thanks for reading!
Jim: Ciao Giuseppe! Great analysis here. It's clear you follow the team closely. I'm in agreement with you on a lot of this, but certainly some areas I see differences of opinion. I do agree edge, receiver, and cornerback are the biggest needs, with a lot more talent needed. The team has some good pieces on the roster, but more help is going to have to be acquired. It's going to be another busy offseason.
Cosme Belmonte from Mexico City
Question: Hey Jim! I couldn't agree more with your postgame notes; I think exactly the same. I really liked the attitude the offense showed at the end of the second quarter. The last minute also has 60 seconds.
We're going for every yard. I think we have a great chance to win at home on Sunday without Mahomes.
The return of Oladejo, Oliver, and Gaye is great news, and we're ready to close out the year with three more wins!
I also saw the pictures from the previous and historic game against the Chiefs. Miss Amy, the Titans uniform needs a little more red, don't you think? Hopefully, next year we'll have a couple of games in Oilers colors. Happy Holidays!
Titan Up!
Jim: Hey Cosme. Appreciate it. It has been great to see Oladejo, Oliver and Gaye back out at practice. It's a benefit to them, even if they don't play again this year. I think that's a real scenario, especially for Femi. ... I wouldn't hate a pop of red.
John Giardinelli from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Good day and thank you for all you do to keep us updated. I have a technical question. I was under the impression that head to outcome was a key tiebreaker. Apparently I am wrong when it comes to draft order. The Raiders have the same record as the Titans and beat us head to head. However, they currently appear ahead of us in the current draft order. can you please shed light on this? Thanks.
Jim: Hey John. Unfortunately, the head-to-head is not a tiebreaker for the draft order. I saw that because the loss to the Raiders would work in Tennessee's favor. Instead it's based on the strength of schedule for teams with identical records, and that is working against the Titans because the schedule has been so tough.
Keith Yager from Gurley, Alabama
Question: Hey Jim — long time Titans fan here. I've been all-in since the team moved to Nashville. My first in-person game was against the Rams. The Titans lost, but the energy in the stadium was infectious, and I was hooked. Then they met the Rams again in the Super Bowl that same season, and that sealed it. Win or lose, I want to watch every snap, every play — even the mind-numbing penalties. I want to see it!
That's why it's so frustrating that my local affiliate suddenly isn't airing the games. I live just outside Huntsville, AL, less than two hours from Nissan Stadium, and for two weeks straight, the local stations have chosen to broadcast other games.
I know this isn't the Titans organization's fault, but is there anything we can do to voice our frustration to the folks deciding the local broadcast area? I want to knock them upside their silly noggins! While it is true that most Alabamians (and southerners in general) are far more passionate about college ball, the Titans fan base around this area has been growing, as judged by the rise of Two-Toned Blue swag I see more and more of every season. We want to watch the game in this area! Not the Falcons. And not the Saints.
Thanks for your time — and TITAN UP!
Jim: Hey Keith. A number of fans have written in expressing some frustration here. And, I get it. It's my understanding the national networks decide which games will be broadcasts where. Locals stations can express an interest in the games they want, but I'm not sure which ones are pushing hard to show the Titans right now. I do think the team is actively working with the NFL to do its best to ensure games will be on in areas around Nashville, in Tennessee, and in bordering states, moving forward.
Charles Baker from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: The Titans should draft Diego Pavia and some good lineman offense. Two big edges for defense and bring Mike McCarthy in to coach the team. This will make the playoffs for next season a guaranteed outcome for the Titans. Just my opinion what do you think?
Jim: Hey Charles. As someone who has watched every snap Diego has taken over the past two seasons, I can tell you he's a baller, I know that. Him being left off so many Heisman ballots just proves what a sham the whole voting process is. It's not a Mr. Congeniality contest, and some of these voters exposed themselves, in my opinion. Pavia was the best QB in college football this season. With that said, that doesn't mean he's going to be a great pro, or, that he's even going to get drafted. We'll see. He'll have to prove himself once again. … I agree the Titans need to keep addressing the offensive line, and help at edge is needed. McCarthy seems to be a popular pick for some fans, but a lot of candidates will present themselves in the coming weeks.
Ron Powell from Rochester, New York
Question: Hi Jim. I am a big Notre Dame football fan and would hate to lose him, but has Marcus Freeman's name come up in consideration of the open HC position for the Titans. I believe he would build a great culture and he seems to have done a great job at bringing in OC and DC talent without meddling too much. Thoughts?
Thanks and Merry Christmas to Titan Nation!!
Jim: Hi Ron. I like Marcus Freeman's style myself. But would he leave Notre Dame? We'll have to wait and see if he emerges as an NFL candidate.
Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Question: Hey Jim, Hope all is well. Now that the season is coming to an end and the Titans barely missing the playoffs, when does or has AAS and Borgonzi shift focus to a new Head Coach? If you look at our (yours and I) past conversations I have been a huge advocate for Joe Brady. I really hope they give him an opportunity to interview. The man has been a winner everywhere he has gone. That is this year's Christmas Wish.. Hope all is well, KC is up and could be a great win!! Be safe, Merry Christmas and as always TITAN UP!!
Jim: Barely missing the playoffs? Good one Jeremy. 😊
I expect the process to start soon. The Titans are in a position to attack this thing because of the in-season change, but it will have to come in waves. A month from now, I'd think the team either has a new head coach, or has really narrowed things down.
Bob Easley from Austin, Texas
Question: Jim, I'm not sure if there is any way to confirm this, but I think, I repeat "think" we witnessed a very fun NFL first last week in San Francisco.
I doubt if ever, in NFL history anyone has been credited with a sack and a touchdown reception in a series of 3 plays or less until our guy, Big Jeff did so. Fun and cool😀💪✅❗️
Jim: It was a first for me. Double trouble, huh?
Jack Walker from Calabasas, California
Question: Hey Jim, biggest takeaway from last Sunday, pretty good game by Cam... I'm still not prepared to claim he's franchise QB material but it was decent... It's hard to compare the rookie QB's... At times Dart looks better but are Robinson and Slayton better than Dike and Ayomanor? Chig better than Theo? As long as the Boss trades back in 2026 to stock us up with picks and a couple R1 in 2027... I'm hopeful.
Jim: Cam is definitely improving. … A lot TBD in the coming weeks, months and years…
Ed Helinski from Auburn, New York
Question: Jim, Merry Christmas to you. Hope all is well.
Along with this holiday theme, what should Santa bring to certain Titans players and the organization?
Jim: How about a win on Sunday?
Have a great weekend everyone!
