NASHVILLE – And we're on to Week 3.
So far it's been two up, two down for the Titans this season, with losses to the Broncos and Rams.
The Colts are up next, on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Fans want to discuss the past, present and the future in this weekend's Titans mailbag.
Let's dive in…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Joe Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Another tough loss at home, but I am seeing quite a bit from our younger guys that have me excited for the future. I've noticed all of our fourth round rookies have gotten quite a few snaps already, and I think they're all going to be long term contributors. Cally has been intentional about getting Ayomanor and Dike touches throughout the first two games.
Do you see Gunnar Helm's role increasing as we continue our season? Personally, I'd love to see us get more intentional with him like we have with our young WR. Chig has been great, but it feels like they're two very different players who can play different roles.
Jim: Hey Joe. No doubt about the encouraging signs from the rookies. I do think you'll see more from Gunnar moving forward. I actually thought we'd see more from him by now. I'm with you – the team needs to take advantage of his skill set, because he's a tough guy to match up against.
Steven McSeveney from Scotland, United Kingdom
Question: Hi Jim. Hope you're doing well. Sorry to hear about your father passing, my condolences.
I'm seeing a lot of fans calling for Brian Callahan to be fired, and most of the reasoning appears to be due to "poor play-calling". I would ask the fans this: what do you want your play-caller to do when the team keep setting themselves up at 15+ yards back on 1st and 2nd down? And when we do have effective plays drawn up, players fail to execute? We've seen a lot of dropped passes in 2 games, and an insane number of penalties. Last year we killed ourselves with penalties too.
Last year, these same critics were calling out Levis for making silly throws when receivers were wide open - that's a player issue, not a play-calling issue. Can't have it both ways folks.
I would argue that we haven't seen the play-calling properly, especially for this year with Cam. We need the players to clean up their game, stop committing crazy penalties, and play on schedule. THEN, absolutely go crazy on the play calling. I have no doubt Callahan wants to win as much (or more) as we do, but he's being let down by poor play too.
Just wondering what your take on this is Jim?
Hoping we start to see things turn around soon. Titan up!
Jim: Hi Steven. I appreciate it. I can't lie -- it's been a tough month without him.
I think you raise a really good point, and in some ways, you're right.
Callahan and the coaches have been hampered by the fact they've been in so many second- and third- and longs, and that has impacted the play-calling. Of course, the counter to that is the play-calling on first down has put the team in these long down and distance situations, and the lack of discipline that has contributed to the penalties could be pinned, at least in part, on the coaches, too. The reality is it's not all on the coaching staff, and not all on the players. Both deserve blame, and both have to find a way to clean things up while working with what's now a banged-up roster. If not, it's going to be another long season.
Greg Accas from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hi, Jim. Well, another Sunday, another disappointing loss – but with some bright spots that give me some hope! Several observations:
1. Cam is the real thing. He gives us all hope for the future. Even though his QBR is only 69.5 (per Titans website), he flashed enough against another difficult defense to create a lot of believers.
2. Props to Ayomanor…he showed some real skills.
3. Defense was disappointing, though Brownlee showed significant improvement in not fouling.
4. I understand Cam coming out in support of Coach Callahan. Another sign of maturity and professionalism in a young player.
5. While I have a number of concerns as the season progresses, here are few of my most troubling:
a. After 2 games we lead the league in number of penalties and penalty yardage. I realize that Callahan keeps saying "We're going to fix this"; however, it's time that words don't fix the issue, actions on the part of the coaching staff has to be effective.
b. Also, after 2 games, we lead the league in number of sacks given up (11) and sack yardage allowed (82). While I realize there have been some injuries that have occurred to the O-line in these games, there is no way Cam will survive the season if play calls keep him in the pocket and allow defenses to continue blitzing and pressuring him the way the Broncos and Rams did. Note that six quarterbacks were injured after week 2, and they will be out for a significant part of their season. I don't even want to imagine what our season will look like if Cam gets hurt!
c. How many defensive coordinators lose sleep about how to defend our offense? I realize that Callahan is probably trying to call a relatively vanilla offense with our youth and Cam being a rookie. But, at some point, you've got to take the training wheels off and turn him loose. We need to attack the defenses rather than allow them to attack us.
d. What is wrong with our rush defense? We're presently 28th in the league in stopping the run (giving up an average of 5.4 yards per carry (150 yards per game & 28th in the league)? In 2024, we were giving up 4.5 ypc, so it appears that we have regressed.
e. I have to wonder about half-time adjustments by our coaching staff. Our opponents seem to always make them and outperform us in the 2nd half. We, on the other hand, seem to do nothing differently in the 2nd half, other than trying to catch up on the scoreboard.
f. Finally, while it is early in the season, I have seen little from the coaching staff to make me want to pay the huge increase in price for future season tickets.
Thanks for creating a forum for us Titans fans to speak out, even though I am relatively certain that it falls on deaf ears at the management level. Oh well, thanks again, Jim.
Jim: Appreciate this well thought out take, Greg.
Jim C from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: There once was a team called the Titans
Who were fearless and always fighting'
They used to win
I hope they do again
Now I'm just sitting' here crying'
Titan up!
Jim: I asked for a poem, and I got one!
Greg Harelson from Crossville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. I have been watching the new construction and now the live stream has stopped any reason why?
Jim: Hey Greg. The screen is frozen. I've been told they're in the process of fixing it, and also finding another spot since the stadium is getting so high on that side.
Rich Davidson from Paducah, Kentucky
Question: 11 sacks in two games, that's a frightening stat. Cam is not going to last long taking that much abuse. Is ownership or the front office ever going to realize that if you don't have an offensive or defensive line, you are not going to win many games? We have some weapons on offense but it's so frustrating to watch our QB running for his life or laying on his back. Thanks for letting me blow off some steam. Still pulling for my Titans, though. Have a great week, Jim!
Jim: Believe me, Rich, folks are aware. It's hard not to notice. This team knows it needs to get better on both fronts, but it's going to take another offseason or two to really build up this team and solidify more positions.
Adrian Lopez from Caracas, Venezuela
Question: Hola Jim espero est�s bien, el inicio ha sido dif�cil pero previsible en Denver nos disparamos en el pie con los castigos y en casa no mantuvimos el ritmo y la perdida de bal�n nos saco de contienda... A pesar de esto considero que el equipo es competitivo la defensa luce fuerte y generando turnovers y los equipos especiales est�n jugando... Mis preguntas hoy son 2: la ofensiva podr� limitar los castigos? como trabajan los entrenadores en la semana por all� se est�n complicando los partidos... Y crees que Big Jeff ya tenga etiqueta de HOF? que indican sus estad�sticas actuales.... gracias y TITAN UP
Jim: Me alegra saber de ti, Adrian. Gracias por escribir. Tienes razón: ha habido demasiadas penalizaciones. Los entrenadores están enseñando técnica y predicando para corregirlas. A veces se debe a falta de disciplina, a veces a falta de concentración, a veces a que un jugador está superado y comete una penalización. El equipo necesita mejorar. En cuanto a Simmons, creo que todavía tiene trabajo por hacer para ser considerado.
Hector Hernandez from Teziutlan, Puebla; Mexico
Question: Que tal Jim buena tarde, deseando tengas una excelente semana, hoy aquí en México celebramos nuestra independencia y así quiero festejar nuestra independencia de los Callahan, espero que el gerente general despida al coach Callahan o sino echaremos otra temporada a la basura y tendremos que escoger a nuestra segunda primera selección del draft en años consecutivos sería una vergüenza para la organizacion, explico mis motivos que me hacen decir que el coach Callahan no debe continuar con los TITANS, mala llamadas de jugadas en el primer juego y en el de ayer contra los rams igual, es desesperante ver como amarra a la ofensiva con jugadas muy obvias, ayer la serie ofensiva del final de la primera mitad conformarse con un gol de campo y el mal manejo del reloj de juego que ya lo hemos visto en juegos pasados de la temporada anterior, la línea ofensiva bueno el tackle izquierdo y después de que salió Latham también el lado derecho, dándole al equipo rival carriles libres como se free way para que hagan la sack a Ward tuvieron toda la offseason para remediar ese mal y no lo hicieron y Callahan coach de OL catalogado como uno de los mejores o el mejor coach pues al menos aquí con Titans no se ve que lo sea. En fin no estoy de acuerdo en que el coach Callahan siga manteniendo su puesto, todavía es tiempo de que podamos hacer un cambio y eso nos catapulte a algo mejor, hay que morirse de algo y este equipo de Callahan no lo hace al menos la ofensa. Hay un cambio muy grande y para bien en equipos especiales se nota la experiencia del coach bones ya tenemos un buen regresador y eso se agradece, big Jeff como siempre jugando a un nivel de superstar lastima que solo lo haga el. Se Jim que le tienes que dar voz a muchos otros aficionados que yo creo estan igual o peor de frustrados y enojados, pero esto solo lo hago porque mi cariño y lealtad hacia el equipo es inquebrantable pese a las malas decisiones que toman y se ven en los juegos (es mi punto de vista) yo solo pido que Mrs Adams y el Gerente Borgonzi nos den un equipo igual a la calidad de su aficion. Muchas gracias por tomarte el tiempo de leer mi carta Jim. TITANS UP!!!
Jim: Espero que tengas un buen día, Héctor. Parece que estás frustrado, como muchos aficionados. Nadie en el equipo ni en el personal está satisfecho con los resultados, te lo aseguro. Gracias por tu lealtad y por tomarte el tiempo para expresar tus sentimientos. Que tengas un buen fin de semana.
Jacob Robison from Cadiz, Kentucky
Question: I'm a long time Oilers/Titans fan, and I'm probably in the minority here. I believe we finally have the right pieces in place in the front office and coaching staff. I can not wrap my head around the pitchfork brigade coming for Cally's job after two games with a rookie QB. I can only imagine the uproar in Detroit when Dan Campbell started his head coaching career off 4-19 before finally turning that franchise around. Or in Cincy, where Taylor started off 2-14 before being gifted Joe Burrow. Both of those franchises chose to be patient with the process and are now firmly in the yearly playoff mix. My question is this: What is it going to take for this regime to earn stability going forward?
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Jacob. Definitely getting mixed reaction on this subject and more in here. The answer to your question is the team needs to win. You're right – there have been some great turnarounds in the league, in time. And, Callahan hasn't exactly been coaching the best roster in the NFL since he got the job. Still, he's going to have to prove he can improve this football team, and he's going to need to win some games. It's a results business. He needs time, no doubt. But I'm not the one who will decide how much time he gets.
Tony Lewis from Charlotte, North Carolina
Question: Hi Jim. You bashed me last season for calling out the obvious and now at what point do you finally wake up and realize bill Callahan aint got it as an oline coach anymore? The game has passed him by and he clearly needs to retire.
As far as his son, hes an awful play caller and not good at situational football. It feels like he's "babying" Cam with the play calling instead of turning him loose? Do you think that's cause of the inefficiency of the OL or just him being in over his head? Cam is mentally built for it regardless of outcome. Time to turn him loose imo.
Jim: We agree Cam is mentally tough, and I think he's going to be a good one. As for Bill Callahan, yeah, it's his fault because the practice squad replacement making his first start struggled while stepping in for JC Latham at right tackle. And it's his fault that Dan Moore, whose signing was widely criticized in here because of his poor PFF grades and sacks allowed in Pittsburgh, isn't playing at an All-Pro level by Week 2. I guess it's also his fault because the center who missed most of last season with an Achilles injury isn't back to midseason form by now? And your question is about turning Cam loose, behind an o-line you think stinks. You're wasting your time – and mine – by coming back to be with this right now, Tony.
Chuck Baze from San Antonio, Texas
Question: Hi Jim. Do our comments and observations hold any sway within the organization or is this just a site where like-minded people can take solace in the fact they are not alone in their misery? I'm curious to know if management sees the same things we see and what goes on behind the scenes to correct these mistakes. What is the vibe within the organization?
I know it is only week two but, how far into the season do we need to be before it is okay to complain?
Callahan is the head coach, if he wants to be offensive coordinator couldn't he appoint somebody to keep track of the clock, tell him when to throw the red flag… appoint somebody that understands the nuances of the game?
The week one game put the magnifying glass on coaching via clock management. The week two game put the magnifying glass on coaching via second half adjustments. I'm kind of sensing a pattern here.
A great offensive line will make an average player look good. A bad offensive line will make a great player look bad. You set the line, and the world is your oyster. While you're building it, if you find elite talent elsewhere you keep them. Trading AJ Brown is still talked about because it effected the direction of the organization. When he stops playing, we'll stop complaining.
Ignoring mistakes doesn't make them go away. You need to learn from them, or you keep making them.
Jim: Hey Chuck. I think it's just a site where like-minded people can take solace in the fact they are not alone in their misery … 😊 I know folks read the mailbag, because I get comments from people in the building and outside the building about it. Now do I think the front office make decisions based on what folks are saying in here? I doubt it…
Jason Derr from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: How did Cam and Elic decide who got to keep the touchdown ball since it was both of their first touchdowns?
Jim: Hey Jason. Greg D from Franklin asked me this as well. I asked Cam about it this week and he said they're still taking about it. I asked Elic about it, and with a smile, he said he might sneak in Cam's house and steal it…
Greg Stauffer from Matthews, North Carolina
Question: Jim, thanks for giving us a platform to discuss the Titans, as well as keeping us up to date with the Titans. (I live in Carolina Panthers land and I just can't follow them because they do not have a talent like you!). My point is writing is all the fire Cally talk is getting on my nerves. Let's look at the facts: How many top 5 draft picks for the last 5-6 drafts are still with team? Almost none. It's like going to a fight with one arm tied behind your back! This Titans version is bad because of 5 previous horrible drafts. Now look at the talent drafted by the new GM team. Night and day! Or going to bad to good or maybe great. I know we are in an instant gratification society, but NFL teams need good to great drafts to become winners! The Titans are just getting started! I do not worry about how many games we win or lose, (some wins would be great), I just want to see steady improvement and draft more talents to get back to the playoffs! Thanks, Jim!
Jim: I appreciate the kind words, Greg. And I appreciate you following along. I hear – and see – the Callahan complaints from fans myself, in here, on talk radio, on the streets. I know fans are frustrated, and his 3-16 record so far isn't good. But, realistically, I know he hasn't had a great roster to work with. And last season, the QB situation was a mess. I think fans just want to see improvement, and reasons to believe. I will agree we need to start seeing more of this moving forward, and things like discipline (fewer penalties) need to improve.
Sean Kelley from Smyrna, Delaware
Question: Hi Jim. 0-2. Losing sucks and I have to keep telling myself to watch to see improvement play by play.
Titans have lots of new guys and rookie QB and rookies playing everywhere.
Cam - he has to keep getting better each week but wow!
Anyone not excited about Titans future is not paying attention.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Sean,
Dave Warren from Columbus, Ohio
Question: Hope you are well! The Titans? Not so well.
I will try to come up with a question while I point out some negatives and positives of the 2025 season through the first two games.
Negatives:
- 11 sacks in two games. Extrapolate that out to a full season, averaging 5 a game, that's 85 total for the season.
- 23 penalties for 193 yds in the first two games. Again, extrapolate out at 10 per game for the remaining games, that's 173 penalties. Better than last year, I believe, but not sustainable.
- EIGHT field goals in two games! ONE touchdown! Dare I say it again? Extrapolate out, being generous at 15 points per game, will not equal many, IF ANY, wins.
- The offensive line is arguably NOT better than last year.
- Still no pass rush.
- Offense/coaching still does not make second half adjustments. Offense does fairly well in the first half and just drops off in the second. Prime example: Ward was 10-17 passing in the first half, 2-16 in the second half. Won't win many games and will continue to wear down the defensive unit in the second half.
Positives:
- Two games in it looks like Borgonzi/Brinker's first draft is a winner! Nearly every rookie is contributing!
- Ward is a franchise QB!
- Special teams unit is much improved!
- The defense is forcing turnovers and looks much improved over last year!
- Pollard is doing everything he can for the offense.
- Amani Hooker is living up to his contract extension!
I love this team, to a fault, but sadly there are just too many faults at this point. Coming into the season I tempered expectations, wanting to see improvement. While there has been a little, too many things have not changed for the better.
Ok, question, hmm…Is my plethora of negatives even fixable this year? Or, are we looking at a multi-year rebuild with yet another new coaching staff? With a new stadium at the halfway completion mark the urgency to improve will only intensify.
Still a Titans fan, and as always, #TitanUp!
Jim: This is a fair assessment, Dave. Thanks for taking the time. Not all the negatives can be fixed this season. This team is in a rebuild, and no one has tried to hide that fact. Realistically, I thought winning six games this year would be a big improvement. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have concerns about whether that is manageable at this point. But the season is still young.
Mark Castiglione from Milford, Massachusetts
Question: Hey Jim! As always, thanks for all you do keeping us fans in the loop & allowing the fanbase to chime in. Im sure it is under appreciated by some, however fans need to be grateful and realize that not every organization has this opportunity to allow team personnel (you) & the fanbase to connect on a regular weekly basis. Even though I rarely write in, I enjoy reading almost every mailbag that gets posted. With respect to the fact that you are employed by the organization, I completely understand that you're only allowed to say so much in your responses without putting you in the hot seat or your job in jeopardy ( which we the fan base certainly do not want!).
I've been a long time Titans fan dedicated since 1999 and I'm stuck with the team every single year through the ups and the downs and every off-season. I get so excited about the upcoming season and then comes week one lol. Now don't get me wrong. I'm certainly not one of those fans who call it quits after one game because that's all it is. However, you can't help it feel in the back of your mind that feeling of " oh here we go again". A lot of the same reoccurring issues from previous year. But one main thing sticks out, and I completely understand you really can't say much to this statement. Coach Callahan is trying to find his identity and going through his struggles, trying to become a head coach in the NFL. Needless to say just that alone is a very tough thing to do and a few coaches around the league can do it. I just don't understand what makes him think that he can all at once be a head coach of an organization and at the same time being offensive play caller. We saw it all last year and yes, I understand it was with a different quarterback and a terrible offensive line but the play selection is still the play selection and the game management and flow was just always in conflict. I guess it's not even really a knock to Coach Callahan and he shouldn't take it personal because take a look around the NFL. Very few coaches can do it. There are very few Andy Reid out there and it's just frustrating to watch as a fan because he does seem like he connects with the players and has a good rapport with them in the locker room, which is great because that's what the head coach should have. But this is not Cincinnati. It's different players different system and the steaks are bigger. Unfortunately, I think we continue to struggle with him trying to balance both acts. I think what's even more frustrating is also knowing as a fan and being realistic that this is not going to change. As long as he is the head coach and in the driver seat, he is not going to give up the offensive play calling. Just unfortunate that those close to him and those on his staff, don't make him aware of this and realize that it's not what's best for the team. Again, I realize there's really not much you can say to that rant or my opinion given your position, but thanks for letting me air it out. I'm confident when I say that I speak for many if not the majority of frustrated Titan fans out there.
Secondly I guess it's a question since he is going to remain the play caller, why does it seem we constantly have a wide receiver group that is invisible? Last year it was Tyler Boyd, who basically was abandoned and never seemed to be in the mix and personally I thought he was a great addition and was a great candidate for a three wide receiver set. This year after game one I don't think I ever saw three wide receivers set of Calvin Ridley, Tyler, Lockett, and Van Jefferson. I understand once the game gets going and guys get tired/banged up the receiver group goes right into a mix, and the two rookies stepped in nicely. But overall, it just seems like it's a constant thing that we are under utilizing our wide receiver group as a whole. I think Tyler Lockett was a great addition and I just hope he's not this year's Tyler Boyd ( who is still unsigned by the way, I thought him being from Cincy with Coach Cally, thought that would've worked out better but guess not.). It would just be nice to see some more place selection with our best athletes on the field. I watched every play of the game and I could barely even see Van Jefferson or Tyler Lockett on the field. That really surprised me for week one when the whole group is healthy. I just hope this isn't the case for the season moving forward. Thanks again Jim and hopefully we can get this thing turned around!!
Jim: Read every word of this, Mark. Thanks for reading, for taking the time, and for your loyalty. We all agree things need to get better across the board. This team needs to start scoring more points, and look better on offense. With Cam, I believe there is hope. But he's going to need more help across the board.
Sam Bingham Jr from Tuscon, Arizona
Question: Hey Jim, Are the Titans try for first pick of the draft again . How does Amy feel about her Team , Coach . Seeing the same Mistakes again another year . Just wondering cause Me as a fan it's like I live in Arizona and I have to pay to see my football team play every Sunday unlike you get to see it for free and when you see this year in and year out it SUCKS cause nobody has any respect for the organization any more like they did when Earl Campbell and Steve and Eddie played it doesn't even look like the player who get drafted are excited. What's the solution to this does anybody beside you hear the cry's of the fan base like you, one day I guess
Jim: I can't speak for Amy. But I'm betting she's disappointed the team is 0-2, because she, like everyone else, wants to be 2-0. She's also been around football for a long time, and she knows a team that picked first overall in April's draft due to having the worst team in the NFL the prior year likely isn't going to go undefeated the next year.
Seth Fischer from Lynchburg, Virginia
Question: Hey Jim, what are your thoughts on Brian Callahan's job position right now?
Jim: Thoughts on his job position? He's the head coach.
Daryl Stjohn from Panama City, Florida
Question: I was very hopeful they would be a little better this year but it looks like we are going to lead the league in penalties. Line play is not good at all is hard to see just how good cam is with all the flags and just bad play calling from Cali I'm not sure he is a very good oc maybe just head coach and let some one else call plays. I hope we turn it around this week vrs the Colts being from indy i can't stand them plz titans start winning your making sunday football a sad day for me
Jim: We all agree the penalties are maddening. But it's been two games. Let's give it more time. Same for the o-line, where the team needs JC Latham back in the lineup, which will happen before too long. Cheer up, Daryl.
Mickey White from Fairplay, Colorado
Question: Hey Jim- Regular reader here, but haven't written in a while. I have a few observations about the game and the discussion from Tuesday's mailbag.
Most of the criticism and concern about the game was about mistakes, i.e. turnovers and penalties. While I agree those must be eliminated, I don't think they were the determinant of the game's outcome. I counted up the penalties for both teams that extended drives resulting in a score or stalled drives resulting in a punt. I have the Titans at 3, the Rams at 2. I didn't include the special teams penalty because that drive ended in a touchdown anyway.
I believe the outcome was decided most significantly by the overall play of the front 7. There was simply no pressure on Stafford during the second half. How many times have we heard the pundits say "If you give (name of quarterback here) enough time, he's going to pick you apart." The run defense from the front seven was suspect as well. I have the secondary making almost twice as many tackles as the front seven combined. Obviously, Sweat being out was a factor, but the huge drop off in production from week one shows that this young team simply does not have the roster (yet) or the depth to really complete from week to week. I believe the pass rush was a real concern going into the season and there wasn't a lot done to address it.
It's going to take some time for Femi to develop and other additions to be made. In the meantime, patience, folks! BTW- I know you'll hate that I included this, but Harold Landry currently leads the league in sacks. Thanks again, Jim! MW
Jim: Good to hear from you again, Mickey. And yes, I noticed Harold is off to a nice start…
Bob Easley from Austin, Texas
Question: Well, we are undefeated in division play so far😃❗️
Jim, an observation. We are always trying to set up our passing game by establishing the run, I hear that all the time. Well, probably by accident, it seems that we actually set up our running game last week in the 1st half by first…establishing our passing game - and I actually like that approach💪!
Our lone Touchdown drive was actually fueled with a lot of successful runs - actually, the 1st 5 plays of that drive were runs resulting in 2 first downs. My thought is that these runs were actually set up by the passing game in the previous possessions that included two 20+ yard pass plays, a 14, a 16 and an 8 yard pass play and a couple more short pass plays. I point this out because our 2nd possession seemed to be wasted with 3 ineffective runs and a punt. I have to think that the logic of those 3 runs was to "set up our passing game" but now that Cam is known as a passing threat - let's start out passing and set up the run💪✅.
Thanks for listening…let's stay undefeated in the division this week and I'll be at the game in Houston again this year to insure we get our 2nd division win in week 4…
Jim: Good point, Bob. 😊
A win on Sunday would certainly change the mood in here – at least for a week, huh?
Have a great weekend everyone!
