NASHVILLE – We're about to enter into the last week of the offseason program.
The Titans wrapped up OTAs this week, and a minicamp is scheduled for the week ahead.
After that, the Titans will take a break, and return for training camp.
As we gear up for another week, let's dive into another mailbag ...
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Eli Decko from Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Question: Jim. I'm not in the excuse making business. If I mess up at work I gotta own it and immediately fix it. First time I ever made Risotto I destroyed it. Service was in 45 minutes and I had to act fast. I made it again immediately and it was PERFECT. Absolutely unequivocally perfect. I've made it the same way for about 13 years now. No matter what the garnish is or what, always perfect. Why is it we keep making excuses for Cam Ward, who all he does for a living is throw a ball? Behind the receiver, interception, taking hypothetical sacks in practice, all of that. Why? Yet he gets this whole "he is learning a new offense" he has new teammates, he has new coaches, it's only training camp" and the list goes on. When is he going to be held accountable for not being able to do the absolute basic minimal aspect of his job? We all know Daboll coaches to his players strengths, he does not ask his QBs to "do it his way" he asks them to do what they are good at and be great at it. Everyone has said that about him. So what is it? How is Mitch Trubisky out here destroying Cam and Will Levis out here destroying Cam? This needs to be an open competition Jim. Otherwise we will go into year 3 with the 1st overall pick again, Drafting Julian Sayin if they are smart and rebuilding again. It is getting old. There needs to be some brains in the Titans Brass and call a Spade a Spade. Cam Ward is not that guy.
Jim: Hey Eli. I appreciate you writing in so regularly. I know you're one of the team's biggest fans, and I appreciate your passion even if we don't always view things the same way. I'll shoot you straight here: I shook my head before I started to respond here. Making excuses for Cam? Already deciding Cam's not the guy? Cam not being held accountable? Trubisky and Levis destroying Cam in practices? Respectfully, I really can't believe I'm answering questions like this on June 13. No one is disputing Cam had a tough week – he missed some open receivers, was behind on a number of throws, just looked out of sync with his receivers, to be honest. And, no one is denying he needs to get better. Cam knows this as well as anyone. But giving up on the guy, calling him a bust, comparing him to Jake Locker and Vince Young, at this point, after three shaky practices is ridiculous if you ask me, and since you did, I'm responding. I've covered this team since 1999. I've seen guys shine in May and June before flaming out in the fall. I've seen guys struggle in the offseason, and flourish during the regular season. Believe it or not, Steve McNair had a lot of bad practices, even after I first laid eyes on him – in Year 5 of his NFL career. I learned from the late Coach Mac to keep your powder dry when it comes to making bold proclamations after watching guys in shorts and t-shirts, and no pads. I've taken the same approach with Carnell Tate, while others have been ready to anoint him already. Cam is coming off a season when he clearly got better as the year went on. I think everyone would agree with that. He's now adjusting to a new OC, a new offense, with new players around him, and he's competing in non-padded practices. I was at all three OTAs this week, and I've been to all nine over the last month. I promise you, Cam has had some good practices as well. In the five OTAs that have been open, by my count he's thrown two picks in 113 pass attempts. Did you know Drake Maye threw four picks in nine pass attempts during a May OTA last year? His season somehow turned out pretty good. I'm not going to guarantee Cam is going to be great, or that he's going to blossom like Maye has with the Patriots. Like everyone else, he's going to have to prove it. In time, some do, and some don't. But, good or bad, it's way too early to overreact to anything that happens in June. I know this approach probably isn't great for social media interaction, but it's how I've always tried to operate. And, c'mon Eli, you're really comparing making Risotto to playing QB in the NFL? Mama mia, basta!
Cooper Reyer from Birmingham, Alabama
Question: Have the Titans considered trading away Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley in exchange for a decent offensive lineman?
Jim: Not that I've heard.
Matt Gordon from Peoria, Illinois
Question: Hey Jim! Absolutely love your work and so excited for this upcoming season for our Titans! I'll make this short and sweet. Love the Carnell Tate pick and excited to purchase his jersey. When will an "away / white" option for him be available on the website to order? Thank you much!! Titans UP!
Jim: Hey Matt. Check with the Titans team store on this one: 615-716-9651.
Raymond Farrar from St. Louis, Missouri
Question: Hey Jim! I'm very excited today! Why? Because my girlfriend surprised me today by telling me that we're coming to Nashville late August AND she got tickets to TITANS vs Bears! Yeah, I know that it's only preseason, but I've never been to Nissan Stadium before (I have been to Nashville). It's going to feel like Christmas came early for me. My question is: What is your recommendation on what to eat while I'm there? Thank you, in advance!
Jim: Hey Raymond. I hope you have a great trip! I always tell people to check out Martin's BBQ if you're downtown, it's pretty laid back and not too pricey. The Southern Steak & Oyster and Bourbon Steak are fancier, and more costly, but great. Another casual location is the Fifth+Broadway complex, which has all kinds of options. It's directly across from Bridgestone Arena.
Colin Sharp from Bellevue, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Big question: What do you think Brian Daboll needs to do to get Cam and the others at a high level offense to score? Titan Up!
Jim: Hey Colin. It's going to take a combination of a lot of things. I have no doubt Daboll will put guys in position to be successful, but Cam is going to have to do his part, the o-line will have to jell, and the receivers and running backs will need to perform well. I know this is a pretty basic explanation, but it's the truth. The best way for this offense to play at a high level and score more is by everyone doing their part. We'll have a better idea of how things are going in August when the team competes against other teams in joint practices.
Have a great weekend everyone!
