NASHVILLE – And we're on to Houston.
The Titans play the first of three straight games on the road on Sunday in Houston against the Texans.
It's too late to change anything about the team's 0-3 start, but there's still plenty of season left and it's time to get going.
After an eventful week, let's dive into the weekend mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Aiden Green from Carrollton, Ohio
Question: Hey Jim, hope you're doing well. I know the Titans are in a rough spot but I have hope, if we can beat Houston and possibly two of Arizona, Las Vegas, or New England, we could catch up to the rest of the division. I also understand it will take a lot of progress by our team, we need the o-line to give Cam plenty of time (I know that on almost all of Cam's sacks he had 3+ seconds, but alot of it was him running around.) We need our WR1 to catch a ball for once, I beg. and we need our defense to stop falling part in the second half. I do have questions though and not just ranting I promise.
First, I really want the Titans to bring up Restrepo, in a hypothetical world where this happens, how do you think we would create the roster space for him? Sacrifice a different receiver? Lose a player at a different position? Again, completely hypothetical.
Second question, How different do you think Coach Hardegree's playcalling tendencies are than Callahan's? I know they're different people so obviously they'll have different ideas in various situations, but how different do you think they'll be? I'm curious to see if Hardegree will have a Cam-centered playbook or if he'll have a similar run first mentality like Callahan did. Either way I want to see our guys get open, I want to see Cam sling the rock, and I want our receivers to actually catch the ball when it hits their hands. Makes me miss having DeAndre Hopkins and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine on our team
Last question, Do you think it's a realistic idea that we could end up bringing in a new player soon? There's always rumors about trades but after Jarvis Brownlee got traded I'm getting really tired of the classic Titans gimmick of "Trade away promising talent for way less value in draft picks than they're worth." What happened to draft and develop? Was Brownlee a problem in the locker room? I wish we could actually get some value in the trades we do instead of just trying to make the next draft the one that counts." Sorry for the rant, back to my point. Where we're at right now, tied for last in division withe the Texans of all people, playing them this week, I would not be opposed to trading some draft value to bring in a player that we know will be a game changer. (Obviously we wont get a Micah Parsons without giving up our entire future and all our cap space) But I definitely think it is worth atleast looking into a player to bolster our offense.
Jim: I hear ya, Aiden.
I get a lot of Restrepo questions. I know a lot of fans would like to see him. I just don't know who he'd play in place of at this point. The team is not benching Ridley in favor of him, Dike and Ayomanor are going to play, and Lockett and Jefferson are experienced guys ahead of him. Bryce Oliver will be inactive for the second straight Sunday, and he's not coming up because of needs at other positions. I watch Xavier in practice every day, and he's working hard. In time, yeah, I could see the team giving him a shot. But I don't get the sense anything is imminent.
On Bo Hardegree, I suspect we'll still see the team try and run the ball. The offense needs to have a balance. Bo called plays for nine games with the Raiders, and had success.
As for Brownlee, make no mistake, the Titans are still going to draft and develop. Just with the right players, ones they think are good culture fits, and players.
Jeremy Georgeson from Greeley, Colorado
Question: Hey Jim, no questions here. Just a fan that hates seeing his team lose. But it's my team, and I will never drag their name through the dirt. I know what it's like to be down. We've all felt the pain of our goals not coming together as planned. We all know what it feels like to fail. Now imagine failing on a stage where millions of people are watching. Those who are your "fans" and "supporters" are booing you on this stage and the world is watching. Sorry but those aren't fans. People who know the titans/oilers the last 30 years already know we're not a powerhouse, top ranked NFL team. I fell in love with this team for their toughness and willingness to fight. The work ethic Warren Moon and Steve McNair brought to the game. The toughness Earl Campbell and Eddie George played with. I can go on, but these fans that are booing and chanting for people's jobs should go find another team to cheer for. The NFL is the toughest league to play in, for any player or coach to be on the sideline/field in any capacity is a major accomplishment. An accomplishment that their families come to cheer on and support their loved ones, all to hear the negative slander and hurtful comments made by so called "fans". To those family members and the Titans organization, you should be proud to be coaching/playing at this level. I am sorry some dummies think it's their chance to voice their displeasure at games and online. No wonder why top tier players in free agency don't want to come to Tennessee. I've heard coaches have declined interviews in the past. Though I know the goal is to win and right now or in recent years that hasn't come to fruition. I still stand behind the team!
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Jeremy.
Eli Hamilton from Idaho Falls, Idaho
Question: What's up Jim!! I've written in a few times but not for awhile! My question is even with the trade deadline in a month or so as of right now do you expect us to make any moves? I know Borgonzi wants to build through the draft and I fully agree to an extent! If he sees someone available that will help our team for the next 2-4 years we need to pull the trigger!
Also just wanted to say that I have been absolutely loving Cam, that first TD he threw against the Rams had me jumping up and down! See you in Vegas in a few weeks!
Jim: Hey Eli. I honestly can't see the team trading for a player in the coming weeks, but you never say never I guess. I think it's more likely the team would trade players for draft picks.
Noah Harris from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is going well in your life. This is I believe my first time writing in a question and I wanted to ask, what direction do you see this team going in? I've been a fan since that good stretch of about 3 years from about 2018-2021 (I know it's not very long but I'm only 17) and watching this team in recent years has made me realize how far we've fallen, and I know everyone in the organization is doing the best they can, Brian Callahan included, but I gotta say I am cautiously optimistic about the future! I mean take this draft class for example, a very good amount of them have been proving themselves out on the field, and 'm excited to be able to incorporate them a bit more in the future. No matter what our record indicates I still believe this team can do great things in the coming years, and i also believe it's our jobs as fans to always be there to support the team no matter how bad off they are, but I would love to hear your opinion on this!
Jim: Hey Noah. Thanks for writing in. Which direction do I see the team going? Is there anywhere to go but up? Just being candid here. The team is definitely at a low point right now, 0-3 this season, 3-17 dating back to last year. I think there should be optimism because of Cam, and some other good young players. But there are also more reasons to be discouraged right now, based on what we've seen of late. Things are going to get better, I do believe that. Exactly when, it's hard for me to say.
Todd Cookingham from Houston, Texas
Question: Hey my friend. First off, thanks for taking my emails in the past and doing a great job...I know it's not easy.. 48 year oilers/ titan fan from NY. Now living in Houston... Some how I thought I would have a connection here ..nope! They hate me lol. I will be at the game Sunday.. praying new play calling will surprise the Texans D. Jim is there a chance to bring up restrepo from practice Squad? Come on,the drops are out of control...this rookie class I feel is amazing.. let them play.. Jim also in emails past Ive pointed out my amazement of apathy of Titans fans at the Game. 3rd down!!!! Get off your bum!! So Jeff is right. Watching the fans talking eating ice cream like George Costanza at the us open. Not engaged in the game .. please LOVE YA BLUE! But I also Jim I get the boos on game management.. we need fundamentals and smart football. Too often players are not coached up. Last ? Winston+latham?? How soon will we see them. They are needed now! sweat too.Thanks Jim God bless! Titan Up.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Todd. I hit on Restrepo a little earlier with Aiden from Ohio. I don't get the sense Latham is that far off, otherwise they'd put him on IR. Same with Winston, who has been working. He'll have to get back in the flow once he's deemed healthy enough to play. This kid is going to be a player, I'm certain of that. They're just being careful with him. I like the energy Todd!
Joshua Tatum from Wallkill, New York
Question: Hi Jim, longtime reader of your coverage of the Titans, first time submitting a question. Firstly, thank you for the principled and nuanced way you cover the team. There's a lot of bad sportswriting out there, and yours is a breath of fresh air. I, like much of the fan base, am exasperated with the product the team has put onto the field so far this season. I want to believe that Borgonzi and Brinker have a vision, and that this rough start will give way to growth and gradual improvement. However, there are a couple of huge red flags that I'm having trouble ignoring. Coming into this season with Udoh and Ojukwu as the top backups at tackle seems like a massive oversight, especially given how frequently injuries have forced reserve linemen into the starting lineup over the past couple of years. And on the other side of the ball, I'm not sure how anyone in the building looked at the edge position and said "we should be fine." Zero sacks and only 2 qb hits against the Colts is a brutal stat line. How do you feel? Are you starting to have any doubts about the current front office's vision and/or their ability to right the ship over the next couple of seasons? Thank you for taking the time to read, Jim, and though it's hard to muster much enthusiasm behind it right now, it's still #TitanUp!
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Joshua. And I appreciate the kind words. I do the best I can. It's not always easy writing about a team that's been consistency losing for the team website. I want to keep some credibility, and try to be as honest as I can, but I have to be careful with my words sometimes because I do work for the team. I think you raise some fair questions. Injuries up front have definitely presented a challenge on the offensive line. Udoh and Ojukwu have had issues, there's no doubt about it. The reality is, o-line depth isn't very good across the NFL. You lose starters, and back-ups are going to struggle most of the time. Those two guys need to play better. In case you missed it, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson was promoted to the 53 on Friday. He's going to be active in place of Ojukwu on Sunday. As for the edge rush position, well, that was one of my biggest concerns heading into the season as well. And, it's been an underperforming group in my mind. I'm certainly not going to say I doubt the vision of the front office. I just think this team had so many holes and concerns during this past offseason, it was always going to be impossible to address them all in one offseason, Mike Borgonzi's first with the team. It's going to take another acquisition period or two to get more quality depth, and players, to bolster what's currently not a great roster overall. That's just the truth.
Matt Montanaro from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Question: Jim. Albert Einstein once said, the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I think this sums up the Callahan Titan tenure to date.
I am a fan and not an NFL executive but seeing these repetitive mistakes with Callahan makes me think he may not be head coach material. His ultimate calling may be a coordinators role. He has had success there to a degree. The fact is that the repeated strategy errors and questionable play calling has proven to be the undoing of this team week after week. The fear for this organization should be plain as the light of day - they risk destroying a developing number 1 pick quarterback. Cam Ward is touted to be the foundation of this organization and the one to lead us to winning ways again.
If a coaching change was inevitable, Do you wait until the end of the season? It seems that in the NFL the norm is black Monday.
Thanks - always love reading your responses.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Matt. I might not be Albert Einstein, but I'm smart enough to know I better not speculate about folks getting fired in here.
Bob Galasso from Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim. Hope you and your family are doing well. Its been a while since I have dropped you a line.
Here we are three games into the season and sitting at 0-3 and in the basement of the AFC South. Seems like the offense and defense have shown flashes of how good they can really be, but with all the penalties over the last three games, it seems to be one step forward and two steps back.
I do like what I have seen by Cam Ward. He seems to be getting better as he continues to gain experience and I think that once he is able to avoidthe turnovers and get rid of the ball faster he will be even better. Of course if he is able to remain upright that helps. Its hard to go through all your reads if you're flat on your back.
I like to be optimistic, but I think that we are still a few playmakers on both sides of the ball to be truly a playoff caliber team.
As for all of those calling for Callahan's job... here is my take: Callahan is a good Guy.
And someday he Maybe a Good Coach. But he is not there yet!!
My Question is …. How much money is Ms Amy willing to spend to see if he can improve.
and how much longer will fans buy those overpriced tickets to watch the Titans do the same thing every week?
I know with enough money you can buy most anything.
But the Titans have Drafted 16 Quarterbacks after Steve McNair…None have worked out.
Why????
Maybe it is not the players we are drafting…. Maybe it is the Training Program???
We have not had a Super Bowl caliber Coach since Jeff Fisher got fired.
We Hired a Hall of Fame caliber O- Line Coach…
But after a year and a half… our O-Line can not protect the QB.
Yet Ms Amy is spending over a Billion Dollars per Year on Players alone
I know Miss Amy is working hard and willing to spend the money to do so, but you know watching AJ Brown have the continued success with the Eagles and King Henry with the Ravens just makes the current team's performance sting that much more.
I have been a loyal and devoted Fan of the Oilers / Titans since the early 70's and am hoping that something will change soon to bring the franchise back to a competitiveness that they have had in the past. Thanks for listening Jim and as always Titan UP!
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Bob.
Ryan Elder from Augusta, Georgia
Question: Hey Jim, I saw where you highlighted Mike Keith's emotional Ring of Honor speech during halftime of the Colts game. Is that video posted anywhere? I can't seem to find it. I think Taylor Zarzour is doing a great job, but Mike is legendary. I still get chills every time I hear the Music City Miracle call.
Jim: Hey Ryan. Mike did a great job. I haven't seen a produced version of his speech. I'll post the video below that I took last Sunday, and tweeted out, although I understand the audio isn't great.
Reinhard Schiendorfer from Fosdinovo, Italy
Question: What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp.
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made to pick Brownlee
Jim: Very creative, Reinhard.
Grazie!
Cliff Cushman from Magnolia, Texas
Question: Hello, J.W.! I have a question that must be asked but I'm not actually expecting an answer. Not anytime soon, anyway. Who do we blame for the poor draft picks, failing to retain talented players, signing mediocre free agents and expecting wins from a rookie HC with a roster with more holes in it than grandpa's tightie whiteys? Coaches have come and gone along with GMs yet the outcome and the culture itself has not benefitted from this game of musical chairs. I hear Amy Adams is nice and blah blah blah and is committed to winning but does she know how? Believe your eyes folks. You don't need to be the second coming of John Madden to understand this organization top to bottom is in trouble. I hope we are a few drafts away from winning games and raising expectations. Or maybe we keep firing this person or that one as scapegoats without addressing the fact the problem goes deeper than that.
Jim: The people you should blame for the poor draft picks/and mediocre free agents are the guys who drafted, and signed them. And some of those guys aren't here any longer. The new regime's job is to fix it, but it's going to take more than three games.
Lamont Davis from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Hello, Jim How are you doing, I hope fine. My question is I thought in the offseason, we (Titans) fixed the problem with the offensive line? Cam Ward is out there getting sacked like crazy!! He maybe holding the ball a little too long, however this young man has been sacked 15 times in 3 games! What is your opinion on this issue?
Jim: I agree the o-line isn't "fixed" yet. Dan Moore needs to play better, Lloyd Cushenberry needs more time to return to the level of play he played at before his injury, and JC Latham needs to get healthy. And, the team needs better depth.
Josh Stankiewicz from West Palm Beach, Florida
Question: When an organization is making operational changes during the season, what should fans reasonably expect moving forward?
Jim: Improvement.
Gary Corley from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey How are you?? I hope all is well with you and yours. I had to take a couple days before I wrote in didn't want to let my emotions dictate how the letter went. But For the first time this year I was really disgusted in MY TEAM I say this because not being a good team has nothing to do with effort and what I believe I saw was players not giving a 100 percent you can be bad team but still give your all and when you do that we can lose with respect and dignity I still believe that we can turn this year around we still have plenty of time to at least become respectable and not let teams see us a easy W Brian Callahan has given up play calling and I'm interested in seeing the difference if any that can bring
But my question is more to the fans
Are you guys really fans of the Titans?
Are you really in for the long run ?
I know I am so good or bad they're still MY TEAM and I'm still riding with my boys TITAN UP!!!
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Gary.
Brett Heard from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: How To Ensure Your NFL Franchise Stays At The Bottom Of The League
1. Draft a player in the 5th round
2. Make him a solid contributor in year 1
3. Make him a starter year 2
4. Trade him and a 7th round pick for a 6th early his 2nd season
The End
Jim: A pretty simplified statement, Brett.
For the record, I've always liked Jarvis Brownlee. I like his feistiness, and I always enjoyed my interaction with him. I even went to his grandmother's house when I was in south Florida for Miami's Pro Day. Yes, he was regular contributor in the defense last year, and had some good moments. But let's not ignore the fact it was on a bad team. And, he had penalty problems he was still having trouble correcting here.
A simple answer: I think the Titans traded him away because the team's decision-makers didn't view him as the elite player that perhaps some fans did. This on top of the fact he wasn't deemed a great culture fit. Again, I like Jarvis, and think he has potential as a player. But he is definitely a work in progress. Time will tell if this proved to be the right or wrong decision.
Ken Kennett from Fairview, Pennsylvania
Question: What is going on, is the Head Coach not liked? If so do the owners not have a clue? I really hate to see this new stadium go empty. Sure 0-3 is not a deal breaker as we did go 0-4 and went to the Super Bowl, but I'm not sure this Team can win the consecutive games need that are needed to get a playoff spot? With the generation of fans these days you have to at least go 500 at best to maintain a small fan base.
Also why in Gods name do they continue to run the Zone defense? imho it is the worst defense to run in any sport other than baseball, which zone is self explained by positions and Soccer again as it is by position. This is why I firmly believe you should pay the players and coaching staff by getting to the playoffs and beyond, everyone else would receive base pay accross the board. That will definitely give you players and coaches that will do anything to get the W.
I have been a fan since Campbell and will also be one, hands down, but again fans like my generation were fans for a very different reason..
Die hard fan and thank you for letting me ask the questions via this platform..
Jim: Good to hear from you, Ken.
Carter Cheeseman from Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, been awhile since I've written in. I'm not here to bash on Callahan as I'm sure there will be plenty of people doing so already. He's certainly made some interesting decisions at the end of halves and the "elbow does not equal two feet was kind of tough." That being said, I'm sure he is doing his best and no one wants to win more than him.
My question is more about the vibe from other coaches and the players. Do you get the sense in the locker room that the team is still on board and believe in Callahan? After 2 wins in 20 games it is probably difficult to be incredibly positive, but I did see a quote from Michael Pittman Jr about how he didn't see much energy from the Titans in pregame and thought they weren't really ready to play. In your opinion, is there any truth to that? Do you get a sense from this team relative to others in the past that there is a lack of belief or confidence going into games?
Jim: It has been a while, Carter. The vibes aren't great, not when you're 0-3. You always hear stories about players tuning out their coaches, or "a coach losing the locker room' when things are going poorly. Someone wrote in here recently saying they could see it in the face of the players that they'd lost faith in the head coach. This is a lot of nonsense to me. A lot of the players need to step up and play better, too. As for the Pittman comment, if the players weren't "ready to play," it's on them. These guys are professionals and shouldn't need a Knute Rockne speech before every game. But I don't think teams regularly win or lose because they were more jacked up in pregame warmups.
Anthony Wilmore from Greenbrier, Tennessee
Question: First time entry here. I try and read all these messages and its kills me how many ppl comment about this team and dont make no sense. Anyways, most everyone want cally fired. But why dont we switch it up with him.( i know it just happened) give him different opportunities and then if he cant do any then yes demote or fire him. Now he's too nice of a guy i think to be getting threw to his players sometimes, need to be more harsher sometimes. And lastly to the person said our 2025 draft sucked, does he even watch the games. We nailed last years draft. Just wish the titans the best and you too jim.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Anthony.
Luis Macouzet from Victoria, Mexico
Question: Hi Jim.
I thought I'd write to you this week. I truly understand and appreciate your work, and right now it must be difficult to be in your shoes.
I thought I'd vent all my frustration for believing in this team for over 40 years, most of which have brought me great satisfaction.
But what I've seen in recent years saddens me greatly.
Most people thought many of the signings were bad, starting with their coach, who was relegated from other teams. And that wasn't just talk; today we see they were right.
We hear the same excuses as always.
I had the opportunity to attend the game; this team hurts its fans... it hurts us.
God bless you greatly, Jimm.
Jim: Hang in there, Luis.
Asa Fitzpatrick from Columbus, Ohio
Question: Hey Jim! Hope you're doing well. I used to go to Titans games with my dad and we'd run into you and say hello to you and Amy! It's been a while since I've written, but I've been reading all of em, so I thought I'd give you a question and a shout!
I don't really ever agree with fans calling for the head coach's job. And I am not super agreeing with them now either, but if there ever was a time where I felt it was warranted, it's about now. I really hope we are all wrong, but there have been some pretty blatantly bad decisions from Coach Cally. So my question for you: can you tell me a few of the things you like about Coach Cally? What does he do well that fans aren't seeing? How does the locker room respond to him? Tell me a fun story of him demonstrating top tier football knowledge or something, please!
The quote "One elbow does not equal two feet." really bothered me. But, I believe in this team and in Cally!! Till the day he's gone, which I hope will be many many years down the road!!
Jim: I appreciate it, Asa. It's been a tough start to the season for Callahan, there's no way around it. And, with a 3-17 record to date, it's hard to say anything that is going to change opinions. He needs to win some games. I do think he's smart. He's a great guy. I think players respect him. I think he's built a good staff. He's been dealt a tough hand, there's no doubt about it. He hasn't been working with a great 53-man roster since he's been here, and QB play was bad last year. I also know the only way he's going to change the opinions of him is by winning games.
EM McFarland from San Diego, California
Question: Does team management and coaching staff believe they are dysfunctional, inexperienced, unlucky or do we simply lack the talent at all levels?
My submission (unpublished) on Monday after game 2 foreshadowed the inevitable. Brian Callahan is no longer the offensive play caller and will be able to focus on the big picture. This is not an indictment, as few can do both effectively at the NFL level. Hopefully he will be able to grow his game.
We all know that occasionally you have to let a really good player go (occasionally is not always). We have seen far too much of that last few years. Henry, Brown, Nick Westbrook, Landry, etc...
We traded Brownlee for a pick swap. Seems like settling for a lowball offer. Mental note... Titans should never take calls from Philadelphia going forward.
What do we do as a team to regain that winning culture we once possessed?
Ayomanor and Ward have certainly been fun to watch at times this year. When we played with pace we seemed to do better and were able to exploit what was available, as opposed to forcing things that were not open.
How can the Team fix the penalties?
Let's get back to Fun, Winning Titan Football
Jim: I know a lot of this is just you venting, EM.
I'll answer this question from you: What do we do as a team to regain that winning culture we once possessed?
The answer: Win.
Richard Robles from Springfield, Tennessee
Question: Hi, Jim. Here are my questions.
1. I think it's safe to say that JC Latham has to be traded because he has too many questions as a Offensive Tackle.
2. Tennessee Titans need a win against the Houston Texans.
3. The Titans fans have got to calm down and talk about some positivity only.
4. There's still hope to get a win in a game for the Tennessee Titans.
Jim: I see no questions, Richard, only statements.
Michael Miles from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: Jim, hope things a good for, and I mean away from the game. I know that a lot of our fans are ready for a change in our coaching staff. I think some improvement can be made as well but I have faith. In our next six games only two of the teams we are playing have a 3-0 record. The other four team are catchable. The Texans are play ing like us, the raiders are up and down. We can turn this season around within the next six games but we have to improve on all sides of the ball, well special teams play isn't really that bad. I just hope that we don't go the remainder of the season with our house filled with visitors fans. I know it is hard to sit and watch the team you pay to watch get beat every game but give them time. I think good times are coming.
Jim: Way to close us out with some optimism, Michael!
Have a great weekend everyone!
