NASHVILLE – Welcome to Memorial Day weekend.
Here in Titans land, we're just a few days away from the start of organized team activities.
Check back here for updates in the coming week.
Until then, here's the latest Titans mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Lachlan McKenzie from Melbourne, Australia
Question: Hey Jim. Writing from Australia! I see a lot of people in media predicting a loss and or extremely tough Week 1 match up with the Broncos. Almost every time alluding to the altitude and not being able to acclimatize.
What's stopping the Titans from traveling to Denver a week earlier and preparing up there? This often happens in Australian sports with team travelling early usually to prepare for the heat or humidity in other parts of the country.
Jim: Hi Lachlan. If the Titans don't win in Denver, it won't be because of altitude problems. I'm sure Brian Callahan feels the same way. The best way to get ready for the opener is to have a good week of practice in Nashville and then travel on Saturday for the Sunday game. And then, go out and play well. I've seen the Titans win – and lose – in Denver following the same practice week schedule.
Sean O Reilly from Dublin, Ireland
Question: Hi Jim. As an Irish Titans fan I can not tell you how pleased I was with the news the team is taking up rights in Ireland, I've been to see the team in London and with direct flights from Dublin I plan on making the trip to Nashville in the near future, can't wait to see what the future holds for this and the franchise, keep up the good work can't wait for the new season with our number 1 pick under centre.
Jim: I thought you'd be happy about that development, Sean. Here's the news, for those who missed it: CLICK HERE. Cheers!
Neil McGeehan from Derry, Ireland
Question: Hi Jim, just saw the news the Titans are going Irish! Ive been a fan for 20 years now, so really looking forward to what the future might bring. Maybe a game in the world famous Croke Park!
Jim: It's grand! Let's do it!
John Giardinelli from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. first time writing, faithful reader. Thanks for all you do.
Any word on L'Jarius Sneed? So far trade not looking too good but hopefully he recovers his health and his status as all-pro.
Jim: Hey John. Not sure what's you're expecting on Sneed. I've been seeing him in the building, and on the grass, this offseason. The plan is to have him ready to go for the fall. Coach Callahan said on Tuesday that Sneed is still rehabbing his knee and quad injuries. I know everyone is hoping to get these injuries behind L'Jarius – no one more than L'Jarius – but Callahan said he was pleased with his progress.
Landon Schmidt from Cordova, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. In Cam's amazing last season with Miami, we saw just how good of a QB he is. In his success, we know he had weapons to throw to like Xavier Restrepo and his TE Elijah Arroyo. Elijah was a big target for him and it adds to the importance of a receiving TE, especially in the NFL.
So, my question is how is Gunnar Helm looking and what are the expectations for him and Cam for this first year? Is Chig looking to be the first-string TE, and does it appear that Josh Whyle is going to make strides heading into year two?
Jim: Hey Landon. Gunnar Helm is just settling in. I actually wrote a story on him this week: CLICK HERE to read it.
I think he's going to be a good player, but it could take him some time to get adjusted. Plus, he has guys like Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle ahead of him at the start, and I'm a big fan of David Martin-Robinson as well. All those guys, along with Thomas Odukoya, should be better with another year under their belts.
Murray Dean from Mt Hope, Alabama
Question: Hi Jim I saw on news this morning that the nfl players will be eligible to go to the Olympics to play flag football. I strongly disagree with the nfl players being in the Olympics since they won't even play football in the pro bowl anymore. Do they not have a fear of being injured…I think they should allow amateurs a shot at fame not nfl players. What is your opinion on this? Thanks for your input from 1st timer.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Murray. I actually think it's pretty cool. Of course I have concerns with players getting hurt, but I want the best players representing our country.
Rick Pinkerton from Terryville, Connecticut
Question: Jim, thanks for all the work you put in to keep us informed. Has Cam met the other three QB? Which one would be the main teacher for him to learn the ropes from? Is Will too young for that role?
Jim: Hey Rick. Yes, Cam has been practicing with all three of them for a few weeks now. All those guys are working, and competing. I'm sure you saw this week where Cam has now officially signed his rookie deal. CLICK HERE for that story. As for Will, I'm pretty sure his mindset is focused more on trying to win the job himself.
Robert Andrews from Levittown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim I had a few questions. Given the fact we had the worst record in God knows how long, what record do you think we would need for Callahan to remain HC? I believe the Titans might have about 6-7 wins low end or wild card in the high end. I know this is also a rebuild season so don't have high expectations.
Jim: Hey Robert. I'm not going to speculate on this, Robert. And I can guarantee you the head coach isn't trying to reach a certain win total to keep from getting fired.
Anthony Hamm from Atlanta, Georgia
Question: Appreciate everything you do!!! Do you know when the training camp schedules come out for fans to visit practices? This will be my first time coming to Nashville.
Jim: Should have a better idea on the training camp schedule in July. By the way, the Titans will be practicing with the Falcons at their facility outside Atlanta for two days leading up to the August 15 preseason contest. You should look into that.
Miles Reed from Crossville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! l I want to say thank you for the mailbag! It's a great read every weekend. I am cautiously optimistic about our team this year. I have been following the Titans religiously since 2018, so I have seen ups and downs, but I am thrilled to watch how Cam Ward evolves throughout the year. I have two questions to ask. How do you think the three away games, starting with week 4, will affect this young team? Will the long road trip have more of a toll on the team because they are either a division game, or out west? Also, is Brian Callahan truly on a hot seat? I know we had a terrible season last year, but it was his first year as a head coach in Nashville. I know the mistakes fall on the shoulders of the head coach, but watching the games, made it seem like he was still adjusting, and getting comfortable. Thanks for everything you do Jim! Remember everybody, TITAN UP!!!!!!!!!!!
Jim: Appreciate you reading, and taking the time to send this, Miles.
I'll be honest: I'm more interested to see what kind of start the team gets off to leading up to the three road games. What kind of record the team has before that three-game stretch will determine the mood, and the stress level.
Noah Stewart from Danville, Kentucky
Question: How do you feel about the offensive line? Will Cam Ward or Will Levis need to run for their lives or will they be protected and how much mobility does Cam Ward has?
Jim: Hey Noah. I'm thinking the o-line will be better with the addition of Dan Moore and Kevin Zeitler, and I think JC Latham will be solid at right tackle. I think depth will be better. The biggest question mark I have at this point is whether Lloyd Cushenberry is healthy enough for Week 1 after his Achilles injury last year, and based on Callahan's response the last time he was asked about his recovery, it's sounding like he could be. But this group is going to need to stay healthy and jell when the season begins.
Noe Benavides from Laredo, Texas
Question: Just wondering if you have had a chance to see how David Gbenda has been doing? I'm a huge Texas fan and hoping he does well. Thank you for your time.
Jim: Hey Noe. I actually watched David a little bit in practice this week. He's competing, decked out in No. 48. I imagine he's one of those guys who is looking forward to the pads coming in camp.
James Richardson from Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Question: Hey do you think the reason any of the Titans fans not excited about Cam are basing their opinion on the NFL and national media has paid so little attention to him and the Titans, assuming their apparent lack of interest means he isn't worthy of being interested in? I saw another question to you from someone on here who I don't know how you stayed so calm. I personally don't think for one second he wouldn't have been QB2 or at worst 3 last season and who is this football future hall of famer coming out next year that would have topped him? Manning and his 9 career TD's? He also compared him to Levis like their college careers were equals. Cam had more TDS after the first half of the season finishing with over twice the tds and half the interceptions last year. One set the all time TD record the other was barely relevant. If he think the Titans are dumb to have drafted him what do you think he thinks of the Giants and Browns or were willing to bet the farm just to move up and get him? Since this has turned into more of a rant than a question…I guess my question is do you think his quiet calm demeanor is a major reason for the national media's neglect of him? All he has done is turn every team he has led around and did so without his daddy conforming the offense to best maximize his success (wink, wink). People get so bent out of shape when Ward is compared to Mahomes as he has been so do they not realize coming out of college no one knew Mahomes would do what he did and no one is saying Ward will be as successful as him just pointing out their uncanny ability to get throws off from crazy angles. Why is that so hard for people to grasp? Afterall Mahomes went to a team that traded up and was already a winner.
Jim: Hey James. I get the sense fans are excited about Cam. Sure, he's going to have to prove himself to some fans in Nashville, and across the NFL, but I'm seeing more and more positivity surrounding Cam, and the pick. Of course now he has to go out and win the job, and perform well.
Have a great weekend everyone!
