NASHVILLE – We're now into late June, and counting the days until training camp.
Be patient, because it's still going to be a while.
While we wait, here's another Titans mailbag …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Steve Crosio from Toms River, New Jersey
Question: Hey there Jim. After seeing mandatory minicamp does Cam Ward look like he's ready to start the season if it were to start in Summer instead of Fall?
Jim: Hey Steven. If you're asking me if I think Cam will be the starter this fall, the answer is yes. If you're asking me if he's ready to be the starter before training camp even starts, the answer is no. Don't get me wrong: I've been impressed with Cam, from his play to his maturity to his leadership. But the team has only had six OTAs and a three-day minicamp, none of it in pads. We're still 2 ½ months from the start of the season, with joint practices and preseason games on the horizon. There's a long way to go.
Jim C from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim. Your reporting of what's going on with the Titans rocks as usual. My question: When are the Titans going to cut L'Jariuis Sneed and be done with him?
Jim: Hey Jim. Appreciate it. The Titans are not going to cut Sneed. Sure, the team needs L'Jarius to perform for sure. I know coaches are counting on him. But I'll be honest: Based on how things have gone so far, it's hard to get your hopes up too much because he just hasn't been able to practice, and be available. To me, it kind of feels like he'd be a bonus at this point.
Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Question: How goes it Jim?? I read Simmons came to camp looking ready to have a great year. How did Sweat look? Was he able to drop a little weight? How has the Tight End room been looking? Hope you have a great week. As always TITAN UP!!!
Jim: Hey Jeremy. Jeffery looked great when he reported for minicamp, and Sweat looked just OK to me this offseason. I didn't notice a big difference in his weight when he reported back for the start of the offseason, but I think he has lost some weight since. He now has about 3-4 weeks to get himself in peak condition to be ready for camp. The tight ends have looked good, especially Chig Okonkwo. I charted every open practice, and he led the team with 13 catches this offseason. Gunnar Helm has looked promising. Keep an eye on David Martin-Robinson. I actually noticed him more than Josh Whyle this offseason. DMR had 10 catches in the open practices, and he looked more comfortable out there.
Rodney Dixon from Richmond, California
Question: Jim. Thank you for the coverage that you provide regarding the Titans. I look forward to reading the mailbags each and every week. I am really excited about this upcoming season. With the additions that the team made during the draft and in free agency I think that we are headed in the right direction. With Cam Ward leading the way, I think that we can win anywhere between 6 and 9 games. Our receiver room has a lot of potential and if they pan out that will take this team to the next level! Our backup quarterback situation is not the best so hopefully Cam does not get hurt. Do you see us trading Levis as it gets closer to the start of the season for a lower round draft pick or should we keep him as the backup? As always Titan Up!
Jim: Appreciate it, Rodney. I get asked a lot about this. If it were up to me (and it's not), I'd keep Levis. In my opinion, he has more upside than the other two QBs on the roster (Brandon Allen, Tim Boyle) and if something were to happen to Cam, I think he'd give the team the best chance to win. But again, these decisions are made above my pay grade, by people smarter than me. And, if someone makes the team a great offer for him, I think you'd have to consider it. Nothing would surprise me at this point.
Joel Meadows from Oakland, Tennessee
Question: When Bud Adams moved the Oilers franchise to Tennessee, I think he wanted to divide the home games between Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. The Tennessee Oilers played the 1997 season in Memphis. At first, it seemed Memphis was excited to get an NFL team because they had applied for an expansion team in the early 90's, but Jacksonville, FL (Jaguars) and Charlotte, NC (Panthers) were awarded expansion teams. However, Memphis didn't support them, and the Pittsburgh game looked like a Steelers home game when looking at the crowd. Apparently Knoxville also snubbed the Oilers as well by telling them that they "play their games on Saturdays". That left Nashville which welcomed them with open arms. Playing home games between Tennessee's 3 big cities in each section of the state is a novel idea, but I don't see how that would've been very feasible. With that being said, does the team plan on doing the Titans caravan around the state like they used to do? Thank you.
Jim: You have a good memory, Joel. I remember those Memphis days as well. The plan, I'll point out, was always to play in Nashville. The team had to take the show on the road a bit while the stadium was being built. As for the caravan, I really doubt it's coming back.
Travis Lewis from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: Do you know if the titans will hold an open practice at Nissan stadium like they did last year where all fans are able to come?
Jim: Yes, the practice is scheduled for July 26 at Nissan Stadium. Here's the entire training camp schedule for fans, and how to get tickets, in case you missed it: CLICK HERE.
Have a great week everyone!
