NASHVILLE – And we're on to Seattle.
The Titans return to action on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Can you believe it's Week 12?
I know, I know, in some ways it feels like it should be late December. But in other ways, this season is flying by.
We'll keep producing these mailbags, because fans keep producing questions.
Let's dive into another batch …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Jay Knost from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I read your replies each week and I don't know how you have the patience for our fan base. It's the most negative fan base and they act like we have been terrible for years, like futility Browns like. We will regroup and we have the most important piece to get it turned around. I am season tix holder and have seen Cam develop. He is improving and he makes throws (toss to Chig Sunday) that I haven't seen in my 26 years as a fan. Anyone who thought we'd "make a run" this year isn't in tune with this team. Cam needs weapons but his work ethic you can feel it as a fan outside the building. He won't stop until he's in the top tier of the NFL. Anyways not really a question just hope more Titans fans are like me and love the blue no matter what.
Jim: Hey Jay. I appreciate you chiming in. I'm surprised myself to see some out there already ready to give up on Cam. I noticed my buddy Jared Stillman had a hot take this week, saying he's a back-up QB. I don't subscribe to this thinking. I just think it's way too early to make any definitive judgements. Cam has made some 'Wow!' plays that have been great, and some 'Wow!' plays that have been bad. But I definitely think he's making progress, and his daily approach has been fantastic. He's one of the most committed players I've witnessed during my time with the team. Does that guarantee success? No. But with his work ethic, and the talent I've seen him display, I'd bet on him to be successful over betting on him to fail. (I'm not a betting man any longer, though, thanks to lessons learned in college!). And, we can't forget he was drafted to a team that finished 3-14 last year. He needs a lot more help around him.
Joe Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Tough loss on Sunday. I thought we were going to pull that one out.
Boy,our defense sure looks different with Big Jeff out there. Glad to have our best back out there.
However; I'd also love to give Cedric Gray some Kudos for his performance against the Texans as well as throughout this whole season.
He's really come on strong and seems to be involved in almost every defensive play. I'm hoping he's here a long time to continue to make plays. What do you think has been key to his development this year?
Jim: Hey Joe. It was good to see you on Sunday.
You're exactly right with Cedric Gray. He's been great. I think just staying healthy, and getting a chance to play and develop has helped Cedric most. He had bad luck as a rookie, getting injured right out of the gate and being sideline for so long. Now he's able to learn and grow, game in and game out. Ced has been incredibly productive, and he's another guy who takes the job very seriously.
Dennis Melton from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Jim, thank you for standing up to take shots on behalf of the Titans. The FBI has charged current and former NBA and MLB players, coaches and officials for gambling-related crimes (that they have taken in-game actions to affect the game outcome for gambling profits). How concerned are the Titans (or the NFL) about inexplicably bad officiating calls, unexpected bad games from key players, etc. creating an appearance that gambling might be influencing the outcome of NFL games? Should fans be suspicious?
Jim: Standing up to take shots. That's one way to describe this mailbag! 😊 But hey, in some ways it's true. I appreciate fans airing out their feelings in here. … This is an interesting question, and a first in here. In all my years covering the NFL, it's never crossed my mind.
Keith Garte from Sharon, Massachusetts
Question: Jim- with all the injuries to the receivers, thus projecting a bigger role for Dike; do you think he'll still be returning punts and kicks on Sunday? Dike fan from Boston.
Jim: Hi Keith. Chim will be involved at receiver, and I suspect as the punt returner, where he can free up some space for himself. We'll have to see about kick returns. Julius Chestnut stepped in and did kick returns when Chim left last Sunday's game.
Bud Stein from Jacksonville, Florida
Question: GM Jim. Hope all well Bud in Duval still dont like them Jags! As I said Ive been a fan for 40 years back to luv ya blue Earl Campbell Bum Phillips days so I think my opinion matters I see in this weeks Mailbag you were rough on comments about Vrabel Why? You know it was the wrong move by the Titans among SEVERAL others like Derrick Henry. One of your comments to a writer was Vrabel wouldn't be 9-2 with this team well he wouldn't be 1-9 either. Mariota is better than Cam Ward. Big deal another number 1 pic on the horizon BIG DEAL!!! Bud Adams must be turning over in his grave the way management has handled things. When does it end evidently when the team gets sold to an owner that at least puts a competitive team on the field and builds from there. Take care Jim
Jim: Hey Bud. I wasn't rough on comments about Vrabel. He's doing a great job in New England, and as I've said many times before, I think he's a really good coach despite the way things ended here, when his teams lost 18 of 24 games. I had a few folks remind me he's 9-2, and I simply said he wouldn't be 9-2 with this Titans team. I just think Titans fans need to move on when it comes to Vrabel. He's gone, and he's not coming back. For those fans that love him so much, or those bored because they live in Jacksonville, jump over to patriots.com. Have a big day, Bud. 😊
Cosme Belmonte from Mexico City, Mexico
Question: Hey Jim! I saw the video of the topping-out ceremony at the new Titans stadium, wow! Impressive. It brings to mind the great "Bud," Pastorini, Campbell, Moon, Childress, Matthews, Munchak—my favorites—Ken Burroughs, Chris Dishman, Jeff Donaldson, Air McNair, George, Chris Johnson, King Henry—there are so many... Proud to be an Oilers/Titan!
Jim: It was a great ceremony, and it was pretty cool being there.
Here's a video clip for those who missed it:
Roy Wright from Smyrna, Tennessee
Question: Dont care much about the dark blue pants however i would enjoy seeing the titans in the baby blue pants with baby blue jersey. And is there a chance for this combination this year . Since nfl decided titans dont have red then we need to keep the dark blues somewhere in the rotation in pants ,,,, is there a chance lose the all whites
Jim: I don't think so, Roy. I wrote a story back in the offseason that the Titans would be a lot more consistent with their uniform combination, and that's held true. I know it's taken a lot of the excitement and anticipation out of the Britches Report, but what's happening with uniform combo was always the plan and I don't see much variation coming now.
Glenn Tomlin from Huntsville, Alabama
Question: I don't see any way to change the losing ways for this team in 2025. This team needs to add talented football players in almost every position. Cam Ward may be able to advance to being a capable NFL quarterback, but he needs a team around him to progress. While the present owner is well meaning, that person does not know football, and needs to find talented managers and coaches to turn this team around. This all takes time and $$$$. May be better for the present owner to sell the team to somebody that really understands how to make this team at least competitive.
Jim: That's probably the reality, Glenn, but that doesn't mean the team can't win a few more games. As for the owner, she has hired GMs and coaches and let them work. Some of the recent hires – Ran Carthon and Brian Callahan -- haven't worked out, and they've been fired. Carthon was replaced by Mike Borgonzi, and Callahan's spot will be filled in January. But I can tell you she is not meddling in the day-to-day with the football team. I know she's disappointed that some of these hires didn't work out. Keep in mind others have been involved in the hiring process, too. I'm not trying to spread the blame around, I'm just spreading the truth. Borgonzi was a great hire, and I think he'll really prove it in time. What's important moving forward is making sure the right head coach is hired in January, and that the right players are picked in the draft and free agency moving forward. If that doesn't happen, the team is going to have a hard time getting out of the spot it is currently experiencing.
Have a great weekend everyone!
