CHICAGO – Finally, it's gameday.
The Titans kick off the preseason here on Saturday against the Chicago Bears.
We'll begin to get some answers about this squad as we edge closer to the regular season.
While we wait, let's answer a few questions in the latest mailbag.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Tony Wall from Dickson, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Do you expect to see Will Levis or Malik Willis to get reps with the 1's at some point during camp?
Jim: Hey Tony. I expect to see both of them play a lot today, and I'm expecting them to continue competing in camp and upcoming preseason games. Ryan Tannehill is the team's starting quarterback, and that's why he's getting all the reps with the 1s. Levis and Willis have each gotten opportunities with the 2s, and that's what I think will continue to happen. I'm looking forward to seeing how they both do against the Bears.
Reinaldo Roman from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: I'd love to see Tannehill earn a contract extension next year. If he can bring our team to another AFC championship, an extension would be deserving.
However, if Tannehill is not extended, I really like the idea of Willis and Levis developing behind him this year and then competing for the starting role next year (with one winning the starting role and the other being the back up). I think they both have the potential to start in the NFL. I hope we keep them both on the roster this year.
Of course its all about this year and i'm confident Ryan Tannehill is going to do his thing! I'm predicting this will be the best year of his NFL career.
I don't care what the experts/analysts are saying. The Titans have the players and coaches right now to make a deep run. The "experts" need to pluck their heads out of the Chiefs and Eagles' rear end and pay attention to the talent the Titans have.
I don't actually have question but thanks for letting me chime in 😉
Jim: Appreciate you taking the time, Reinaldo. A lot of things at stake in 2023 for sure.
Josh Bomar from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Just curios how Colton Dowell has looked so far in camp. Being a hometown boy who's father has been attending camp to watch him play is great to see. I'm really rooting for him, and I think with his athleticism, he has a chance to really produce once his game gets polished up to NFL standards. What are your thoughts on his chances of making the team?
Jim: Good to hear from you again, Josh. Colton's had a good week I think. Yes, he had a bad drop in Tuesday's session, but he's also caught a lot of footballs, and seems to be getting more and more comfortable. The competition has been good at receiver. Some others, like Tre'Shaun Harrison and Reggie Roberson Jr., have emerged alongside a bunch of others who will certainly be on the team. Colton has to prove he can help on special teams as a gunner, and he needs to be good in these upcoming games and joint practices to help his chances.
Roger Piccirillo from Bridgeport, Connecticut
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is well with you and yours. No question just a comment there seems to be a lot of hype around Willis during this training camp. I'm sorry but I'm not buying it I think Vrable is just trying to increase his trade value. We're talking about a quarterback who completed 50% of his passes last season. This training camp he is completing around 55% of his passes you're not going to win a lot of games with the quarterback completing 50 to 55% of his passes. He's playing against guys who are backups some won't even be in the league come week one he needs to be lightning it up against the talent that he's going against. He will never be a starter in the NFL. Just one man's opinion. Thank you for all you do.
Jim: Roger, Roger. Not sure who started that theory. I've gotten a few of those emails, too.
Robert Carter from Weyers Cave, Virginia
Question: Greetings to you and all of TITANS NATION. I have a question but I feel it's more of a gripe. Lamar Hunt is known as a "pioneer" of the NFL, and our own K.S. Bud Adams is mentioned with Mr. Hunt for what "THEY" have done for this league, and for "THEIR" contributions, why is Mr. Adams still in the consideration process? Thank you for all the information you pump out to all the Titans fans around the world. Keep makin it do what it do. OILER/TITAN UP.
Jim: Hi Robert. I'm with you on this, and I know we're not alone. I've written a number of stories, and talked to a lot of folks, about how Mr. Adams belongs in the Hall of Fame. The perfect line of thinking on this is: You can't write the history of the NFL without Bud Adams. Mr. Adams played a key role in the game's history, and he was a long-term owner of a very successful franchise on top of that. Here's a recent story I did when I talked to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt at last year's Super Bowl: CLICK HERE. Hopefully one day it will happen.
Joel Tanaka from Aiea, Hawaii
Question: Jim. The depth chart is confusing with respect to the wide receivers. Treylon Burks is not listed and NWI and Philips are listed behind Hopkins on WR line. Am I missing something? Can you clarify? Mahalo.
Jim: Aloha Joel. First off, prayers to the good people of Hawaii. It's heartbreaking to see what's happening in Maui, a beautiful place I've visited in the past. As for the depth chart, you must be reading it wrong. Treylon was listed as the starter, alongside DeAndre Hopkins. Then you're supposed to read the depth chart from left to right, then back to the left, underneath, and across again. Aloha.
Eldon English from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Uncle Jim! If Mike Vrabel is willing to give up his power in the preseason to give others more experience, do you think you could do the same for the @TitanUpPod a give them a preseason Britches Report to enhance their experience in the field?
Jim: A great thought, Eldon, but I've always been told snitches on britches get stitches. … Maybe I could hit them up with another sock scoop …
Justin Tibbs from Dyersburg, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Hope all is all good with you. Love your mailbag. My question is do you see us maybe bringing back Lewan since our O line seems to need depth?
Jim: No.
Jeffery Raney from Pittsburg Texas
Question: Hello Jim. Who appears to have the lead at right guard?
Jim: Daniel Brunskill, formerly with the 49ers.
Nate Howell from San Antonio, Texas
Question: I see the percentages of field goals made for the kickers. Are they practicing like it's a game with the special teams units out there trying to block the kick and make them hurry or is just a snapper and holder?
Jim: Hey Nate. They're trying to put as much stress on Calen Shudak and Trey Wolff as possible, working in hurry-up situations with the clock winding down, kicking in special teams periods in practice. But it's hard to simulate some of what you're talking about in practices. It's too risky from an injury standpoint. Both of those guys have been very accurate so far in camp (Shudak is 40-of-44, Wolff is 46-of-51), but you're right – the true tests will come in these preseason games, when there's more pressure – and more of a rush.
Brandon Moore from Greenbrier, Tennessee
Question: How does this year's offensive line compare to offensive lines we've had in the past three years? Could they get on the same level as the 2021 or will it be similar issues to last year?
Jim: Way too early to tell, Brandon. Let's see some games first, starting today.
Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the game.
