NASHVILLE – And, we're on to Houston.
Week 5 is already here, and the Titans are still looking for their first win.
Will it come on Sunday at Nissan Stadium against the 0-4 Texans?
Well, somebody has to win, right?
While we wait for kickoff, let's dive into another Titans mailbag…
Charles Williams from Newport News, Virginia
Question: Jim. We're not as far off as the nay-sayers claim. We just played a Super Bowl contender on their field and after the loss of one single player (L Jackson) IMO we were the slightly stronger overall team. Our OL has exceeded my expectations. Our WR corps is the best since the Run and Shoot Oilers (showing my age – luv ya blue!); although IMO they should be using the TEs more. On defense our front seven is not as dominant as I hoped prior to the season, but they're starting to come on, really like the young LBs. If our offense will stop shooting themselves in the foot with turnovers and other execution miscues we'll be fine.
If there is one disappointment – it is Brian Daboll (what is your take?). Kind of like Bill Callahan was supposed to be an O-line guru but failed with our squad Daboll's offensive prowess has left a lot to be desired up to this point. Hopefully he'll improve as the season progresses, but if not, IMO the team should make a change there. I hate to see Cam with another new offense next year (again); hopefully things improve.
Appreciate what you do keeping fans like me informed! FYI, the new uniforms rock..
Jim: Hey Charles. I like the optimism, and I think you're right on some of your takes. As for Daboll, well, the offense is averaging 13.75 points per game. The team had five straight three-and-outs in the first half vs the Giants, and three straight three-and-outs in a critical part of the game vs the Ravens. How much is on Cam? How much is the OC? Well, I think everyone has to take some of the blame when things are going poorly, just like everyone should share the credit when things are going well. I'll just say this: With an improved receiving corps, and in Year 2 of Can, I thought the offense would look better than it has to this point.
Joe Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! I know we're more than a month out from the trade deadline; but I am curious what your thoughts might be as to the direction we might go before November 10th. I think this year maybe moreso than others, we have some talented veterans who are on expiring or near expiring contracts who might be of service to contending teams that are dealing with injuries. I also feel like we've got some young talented players we need to get on the field sooner rather than later as well to know what we've got moving forward.
Jim: Hey Joe. I'll be honest: I haven't asked anybody about this. I just think it's too soon, although I've already seen a lot of speculation out there about certain players. I hate seeing the departure of veterans in-season, because it's a sign of a team that is playing for the future, and not the present. I also understand how the NFL works. And yes, as some point some of the young guys need to play so the team can gauge them better. I appreciate the question, but for now, it's all about trying to win games in the present. At least that's what I'm looking at for now.
Alberto Benavidez from Macon, Georgia
Question: Hey Jim, die hard Oilers/Titans fan all my life from Falfurrias Tx. First time writing but I'm ALWAYS reading this mailbag. I've been through many ups and downs as a fan since 1990 and I must say it's challenging to read these negative comments about a rebuilding team in progress. We must keep in mind that the defense's we see each week also have professional athletes. One day I hope we can have open receivers on every play the way other teams usually do, but it's a work in progress. Through 20 games Cam Ward has twice as much passing yards and 2 % completion percentage rate better than Steve McNair's first 20 games. I don't mind the close loses, I love seeing the competitiveness of this team each week. Eventually we will be on the winning side of those close games. Stay Positive and thank you for this mailbag.
Jim: Thanks for reading, Albert. And I appreciate your perspective, and loyalty. I know it's been hard for this franchise's loyal fans because it's been a really bad stretch that has gone on too long. I know a lot of fans have jumped ship by now. I do think in time you'll be rewarded for your patience – in part because I feel like there's nowhere to go but up from here, right?
Lucas Watson from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Lucas here from Two Tone Blue Nation.
The guys and I have spent a lot of time this season talking through Cam Ward's footwork. It was a noted concern coming out of Miami, and through the early part of the year we haven't seen a lot of progress. Mechanics like that are hard to clean up in-season, but we've also seen plenty of quarterbacks take a real step once a good QB coach gets after it.
Is that something the staff is actively working with him on right now?
Appreciate you always looking out for the group over the years. Been a big fan of you and PK for a long time. Titan Up.
Jim: Hey Lucas. I appreciate it, and thanks for following my work over the years. I have a different job now than I used to, but still try to do the best I can. I do think Cam's footwork remains a work in process, and it's something coaches continue to stay on him about in practices. I admit, it's looked sloppy at times, and it needs to be more consistent. But I think that could be said about other parts of his game as well.
Kody Adams from Bardstown, Kentucky
Question: Hi Jim. Hope all is well with you and yours. I wrote last year voicing some frustrations with this franchise and on-field product and unfortunately, I am here again to do the exact same thing.
0-4. I know there is a lot of ball left, but the outlook right now is bleak. These truly are the dark ages of Titans football. I can't stand it. But I must be some sort of masochist, because I tune in every Sunday just to be infuriated. I knew there would be more growing pains going into this season but did not expect this offense to have such a hard time scoring points.
I drank too much off season kool-aid going into this season. That's on me. But when the franchise brings out these new uniforms and rebrands the team for this "new era", it's hard to get excited. But new uniforms and a new stadium mean nothing without wins. The Titans don't seem like they could even buy a win right now. Which is a shame, seeing all the money the Titans have made off us fans buying all this new merch…
None of us know how long this "rebuild" phase is going to last. I feel like we have had 2 good draft classes back-to-back. Here's hoping we have more! But while these dark ages persist, the franchise is losing fans and relevance. Nissan Stadium is being taken over by opposing fanbases now. I don't foresee that being any different with New Nissan. I hope the gameday experiences at New Nissan are quite better than these last few years at Old Nissan. I'm not sure what incentives can be provided to watch a losing football team, but I hope something is being considered to keep Nissan packed with two tone blue colors. I fear it will become like the Raider's Allegiant Stadium. A brand-new stadium overran with opposing fans.
I could go on but have typed an essay already. I hope next time I decide to write in; it's on a much more positive note. Have a good one Jim!
Jim: I hear ya, Kody. As I was mentioning to Lucas, this stretch is taking too long, so I understand fans are losing patience. I've always gotten the sense around here that the feeling was this team would be getting good again around the same time the team began playing in the new stadium. Well, this year's team is now 0-4, and it isn't exactly providing reasons to believe a big turnaround is on the horizon. But I do I think things are improving from a roster standpoint, and the games have been closer. Fans wants wins, of course, but that should give you some hope, I guess.
Buck Amodei from Grass Valley, California
Question: Hi Jim. I know this season doesn't give us fans a lot of optimism but I'm still trying to sort out the good from the bad. Lots of places to go here, but past dialogue has favored the OL and that's a good starting point. My question is what is your take on Carmen Bricillo?
I've always had good things to say about what Mike Munchak did during his OL coaching stint. The best I've seen since he left was Russ Grimm during the Mularkey era. Now, with 3 of the five guys that made us a terrible line in 2025 and not a lot of upgrades, we go from around bottom 5 to top 5. I'm hoping it's not a mirage and we fixed one of our biggest ailments at the hefty price of what Carmen's salary is.
If so, it beats the hell out of 50-80 million for an average dude. In addition, Carmona really looked like a plug and play starter too before his injury.
Pops Callahan really didn't impress me. If fact, I thought he was a liability and only having Latham as a rookie OT trying to play LT and forcing NPF at RT while stating other players were not considered tackles was coaching malpractice.
I know we are 0-4 but I'm impressed with how the OL is trending and it ought to get better when Carmona returns.
Jim: Hey Buck. Well, I've been very impressed with Carmen so far. The o-line has been a real problem around here the last few years, as we all know, and the group has been much better. Cam has been sacked just six times in four games this season, after being sacked 17 games through four games a year ago. JC Latham has been much improved, and Fernando Carmona, as a rookie, had stepped in and played well before his injury. With that said, it's still early – four games is a small sample size. The rushing offense hasn't been overly successful, and there have been lapses, some on the part of the players, but that all falls on the o-line coach's watch. But based on what we've seen so far, I think it's safe to say things are trending in the right direction. It just needs to continue.
Joel Gluck from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Random question while wondering whatever happened to Lorenzo Neal.
As you probably know, the Chiefs are shown on television quite often.
It occurs to me that #38 in red has played in every game.
My question is the Titans paid Sneed a boatload of money, handled his knees with tender loving care and he rarely was on the field. He leaves the Titans goes back to the Chiefs and is a full time starter with apparently good knees now. What's the story??
Take care. Keep up the great work.
Joel
Jim: Hey Joel. Lorenzo actually does radio in the Bay area. I saw him in August when the Titans practiced against the 49ers. As for Sneed, yeah, I've noticed he's been playing. He hasn't exactly been killing it from what I've seen.
Steve Lwiczak from Strathmore, Alberta, Canada
Question: Hey Jim a happy Thanksgiving (Canadian) to you and yours. I really do not have a question just a couple of comments:
First, if there is any truth to the fact that people are threatening Cam or his family. They need to be arrested and charged.
Second....I have now watched Cam play the exact same number of games as Will Levis......other than the number on their Jersey, they are the same player. Wins, passer rating, completion percentage.....the same or close enough to not matter.
We gave up on Will Levis...yet I make the argument he had less to work with than Cam does. Yet because Cam was the higher pick "we see the progress".
Go rewatch the pick against Baltimore....tell me we did not watch Will Levis do the same thing.
My bet....we draft yet another QB in 2027 and give up on Cam as OTA's come to a close next year.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Steve. Happy Thanksgiving!
Keith Thomas from Alabama
Question: How is it so many Titans fans want Ward benched for Trubisky? It makes absolutely zero sense. The Titans have a lot invested in Ward. He may never prove to be a franchise QB. But every game this season must be about finding out who he is. Trubisky is not going to get us to the playoffs, let alone the SB. He is here only as insurance in case Cam gets hurt so that we can finish the game. I can't see how folks can't grasp that. It would be a waste not to play Cam every down if he's healthy. Playing Trubisky would be just plain stupid.
Jim: I agree with this, Keith. And, I like Trubisky.
Matt P from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim, no question just venting. I still have hope for this team and honestly defense has been great outside of our secondary. We seem like we can't stop a deep route to save our lives. Cam must've heard the noise/seen tape about how open Tate has been. I'm excited to see how much their connection grows. I've been to 2 Titans games so far (Ravens and Eagles), both basically away games. I'm not sure how well Texans fans travel but hopefully our fans show up. I'm about 4k in money spent on the team so far accounting for gear, travel, tickets etc., I said I wouldn't spend another penny after last week. However, I honestly think if we can squeeze out a win Sunday, we have a real shot at entering the bye week at .500. If not, time to start tanking for Jeremiah Smith. Either way, Titan Up!
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Matt.
James Kauffman from York, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. I hope all is well. I don't mind losing games but I'm starting to feel like the fans care more than the players. I'm sorry but when Tate fumbles the ball in bounds before the half instead of going out of bounds it's a dumb play. Afterwards the camera pans over and shows him smiling and enjoying himself with another player. You tell us every week the team cares but I'm seeing guys that are carefree because at the end of the day they're all millionaires. Cam Ward literally gives the ball away first drive same thing every week and we keep giving him a pass. He has the same record as Will Levis right now. We should be concerned about this team and the culture.
Jim: You're upset with Carnell Tate smiling on a day when he had nine catches for 145 yards?
Alberto Tenorio Diaz from Saltillo, Mexico
Question: Hola Jim! Just bought tickets for the Cowboys game in November. I'll be driving 11 hours (plus border crossing time) but i think it will be worth it. Can we get at least a couple of wins before Dallas so there's some hope? We need a W against the 0-4 but very dangerous Texans and things will get better... Titan Up!
Jim: Would be nice, huh? Safe travels, Alberto.
Gregory Smith from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim,I know, you know,we all know the 2026 Season in not how the way we start, but progress is there but Cam Ward's interception was on him for not taking a sack to lose yards,The Offensive line despite losing Right Guards Rookie Starter Fernando Carmona Jr & Jackson Slater on injury reserved during the Giants game, 1 Sack on Cam allowed, but mistakes by Special Teams hurt our chances for better field advantages,I still believe in Cam Ward dispite the record, overall record as a stater dispite everyone says,this is his second season, nearly a 3rd system he's on,as much if Coach Robert Saleh & especially Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll concerning the lack of trust of Cam or Daboll who doesn't trust Cam,I don't trust Brian Daboll with these ridiculous conservative play calling especially the run game in the red zone, better yet neal the goal line if you can't find a hole to run through instead of putting it into the Quarterback Cam's hands with a play action play,or QB Run option if there's a opening, Rookie First Round Pick Receiver Carnell Tate who's finding thier chemistry & rhythm together who's played his best football yet but the fumble loss hurt us in the end of the first half that resulted a 64 yard field goal for Baltimore to extend thier lead before coming back too little, too late losing 24 to 18 ,should've been 24-21 or score in end zone if the running plays not a option, let's throw 1 if the receivers or tight ends are open, we need to get the tight ends involved more,I wished Xavier Restrespo could've been more help but Daboll calling a dumb wildcat formation on 4th and Goal wasn't something I would have called before the Ravens & Quarterback Lamar Jackson moved the ball 98 yard play drive that resulted a Touchdown before Lamar went down with a ankle injury hopefully isn't too serious for them,Derrick Henry we missed dearly since he left,we limited him to 73 yards & a rushing touchdown to add into his Hall of Fame Career, but the Defense while some linebackers like Cody Barton who's not a cover guy Outplayed by Receiver Zay Flowers which should be the Secondary hands,Jeffrey Simmons was Outplayed by a rookie center, double teamed with 1 pressure,Cedric Grey and Anthony Hill we to get more pressure on the quality, Hopefully Keldric Faulk still finding his way can contribute going forward as well. This week is important against the 0-4 Houston Texans in our 1st AFC South Division game before going back on the road to Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium who's really playing well,a win at home can help build momentum,yes we got to win games when if the plays are correct, Brian Daboll needs to trust Cam or he or both he & Coach Robert Saleh are trying to sabotage his Career in Tennessee as far I'm concerned,not taking risk is a high reward than playing it safe. Thank you Jim for everything that you do,hey I heard about the trade deadline if they trade Running back Tony Pollard for picks,cause we gonna need a power horse running back in the future, Receiver Calvin Ridley probably won't be back if Jeremiah Smith is already taken, probably University of Miami Receiver Malachi Toney could be a still late or early in the 2nd Round, I'm also believe this will probably be Safety Amani Hooker's final season as well. Thank you for Jim,I know is long again, despite the record, we got to put points on the board, if we can't put six,at least put 3 points it counts than going for it if Daboll quit holding back and let Cam play but playing strong in the end or trying to catch up doesn't either, I'm happy they scored in the 1st quarter but we got to take advantage when the moment is slipped by. Thank you Jim and Titan Up!!!
Jim: There's a lot in here, Gregory! Thanks for taking the time.
Parker Vowell from Paris, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, I hope your having a great day. I'm also hoping that the Titans have a great day on Sunday. So basically I have some questions. With the Titans facing the Houston Texans after a difficult start to the season, what do you believe have been the biggest factors contributing to the team's struggles so far? From your perspective, what specific adjustments need to be made on offense and defense for Tennessee to become more competitive, and which players do you think will be the most important to the team's success in this matchup? How important is this game for the Titans' confidence moving forward, and what would you need to see from the coaching staff and the players to believe this team is beginning to turn things around? Finally, do you believe the Titans have the talent and potential to become a competitive team in the AFC South this season, or do you think larger changes may be necessary before they can consistently compete with the division's best teams? I hope this reached you Jim and have a great day.
Jim: Hey Parker. All is good here. It's hard to name one thing. As I mentioned earlier, the offense has been underwhelming. The team has made some killer turnovers, and mistakes. The defense has lapses, and special teams hasn't helped on some Sundays. The team is not good enough at this point to win playing that way. This team needs to find a way to win games, because it would be a confidence builder. I could talk all day about what needs to happen in order to win. At this point, folks just need to see it.
Bill Holmes from Fairport, New York
Question: Jim, I'm encouraged despite the 0-4 start. Without two bad plays we could be 2-2. And while I don't see a likely win on the rest of the schedule, I thought Baltimore and Philly would crush us into dust rather than be lucky to escape with their lives. So who knows where the and when the next surprises will come?
I see a lot of negativity here and in the national media where people say Cam is already a flop and all the free agent money brought us nothing. I think those naysayers forget that football is a team game, and no matter how talented the individual players are, they need to learn to play together as a single-minded unit. Know not only their roles but the responsibilities of the other ten on the field at the time. This doesn't happen immediately, especially when you have a massive turnover in personnel and an almost a complete revision of the coaching staff. This isn't fantasy football.
You want to see growth and forward progress, and I'm seeing that in spades. I seriously doubt we are going to be a .500 team in 2026, but I do believe we have the young talent to crawl, then walk, the run in the next couple of seasons. We had some weak drafts in recent regimes along with poor free agent decisions, but our last two drafts were solid. Keep building the core and soon we will just be adding a couple of pieces rather than flushing the locker room every off-season.
Now let's go haunt Texas. TITAN UP!
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Bill!
Gary Corley from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Well hey another tough loss but my guys are playing hard until the end and I like seeing that this team has more heart than last years team did and I'm really taking pride in that But I am just hoping we can put together 4 qtrs of good quality football and when we do that win will come Carnell Tate has finally showed us that he can be a factor and that is a big plus. How good will it feel to get our first win of the season against those Texans? Come on Titans let's go!!! But I guess the only question I do have is about Anthony Hill I seen he was wearing a cast in the game when did he get hurt? I see he still can play with it but just wondering when it happened and what the injury actually is. Once again Thanx Jim AND LETS GO BEAT THESE TEXANS. TITAN UP!!!!!!
Jim: I like the enthusiasm, Gary. Anthony has been wearing that device on his hand for a few weeks. It happened early in the season. He hasn't been on the injury report, though, so he's good.
Have a great weekend everyone!
