NASHVILLE – We're now into Titans training camp and off and rolling.
The team returns to the practice field on Saturday, and for the first time fans will be present.
In less than a week the team will be practicing at Nissan Stadium.
Let's take a break in the action and jump in this weekend's mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
David Clark from Rochester Hills, Michigan
Question: Hello Jim. Every year I try to stay as optimistic as I can in hopes that the Titans are close to turning things around. This year is no different but my major concern with this team is at the Center and Right Guard positions.
Those two position battles are against players that have been in a reserve role and rookies…Schlottman and Coogan for the Center position and Volson and Slater at Right Guard.
I know it is hard to forecast, but how do you see this playing out? And do you think the Titans will bring anyone else in to compete for these positions?
This will be your number 51 for me as a fan of this organization and I would like to see a Lombardi trophy soon, Jim. 😉
Melissa and I hope to see you in Detroit later this season. Keep up the great coverage!
Jim: Hi David. Hope all is well with you and Melissa. This is an area I'm keeping an eye on as well. I said early on I thought Austin Schlottmann was the man to beat at center, and I still feel that way. Cordell Volson, because of his experience, is the favorite in my mind at right guard. But it's early in camp, and a lot of guys are in the competition, from Pat Coogan to Jackson Slater to Fernando Carmona to Andre James and more. It wouldn't surprise me if someone else is brought in either. Competitions like this are what camp is for, and performance and health will help decide things. Along the way, the team would also like to feel really good about the tackles heading into the season. It's all going to be worth monitoring throughout August and into September.
Ricky Foltz from Harrisburg, North Carolina
Question: Hello Jim. I know this is a forum to express our feelings and I commend you for that. I am so overwhelmed with joy that the Titans ownership is placing CJ in the ring of honor. He was a very exciting player to watch with his time in Tennessee. I am humbled by his ability to make everyone aware of his ALS diagnosis. My best friend's mother passed away of ALS and know what's in store for his family for the road ahead .. GOD bless CJ and please talk to ownership about a fundraiser in the city for this cause. Thanks for everything Jim. Titan Up.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Ricky.
William Merriweather from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: I am interested to see who wins the LB battle next to Gray. Do you think Anthony Hill has a shot at starting as a rookie?
Jim: Hey William. Cedric Gray and Cody Barton are going to be out there, and Anthony Hill definitely has a chance to earn a starting spot in this new 4-3, especially in the base defense. The reality is the team will be playing a lot of different looks, including a 4-2-5 a bunch of the time. Anthony's strength is pass coverage, and the faster he develops the more he's going to be out there. Based on what I've already seen, it wouldn't shock me if he surged early, and earned a lot of playing time.
Eli Decko from Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Question: I've been seeing some "Hooker is on the trade block" stuff online since he got pup'ed. I am not expecting much from this team as I'm probably the most realistic Titans fan on Earth. If they were to trade him I would suggest straight draft pick(s). Getting a mid lineman from another team in exchange for a +Starter on defense would not be a good swap. Considering Tackle is the most important piece of the line and we are heavily deficient I really think Taylor Decker should be in play. This team is so hard to project because it is so deficient. Like all Titans fans I want to see CJ2K Day be a total Throttling of the Jets. Considering his last big game as a Titan was vs the Jets and he had that 94 yard TD during the My Cleats My Cause thing he did for SandyHook. The reality is that Jets defense is absolutely stacked. Minkah being reunited with his original DC from Miami is gonna be HUGE. Demario Davis in the Middle with the young linebackers flanking him is just a running backs nightmare, to pair with the 700LBs of Defensice Tackle the Jets have and Sweat coming back for revenge is not going to go well when he absolutely mauls the tiny little center we got from NYG and the RG. Skoronski also has lost some wild reps to him in practice too last year and the year before. I'm usually not a fan favorite in here and you've had writers come at me, but there is no evidence that I'm incorrect. Everything I say has factual basis to it. There is a very strong possibility that the Titans go 0-17. Frankly, even without Garrett, even the Browns defense is better than our line and we will see it. Pittsburgh is going to come into Nashville and completely obliterate us. The AFC South is strategically built to just thump us. Even CJ Stroud has a better offensive line and that was their most looming piece. Why haven't the wiz kids led by Borgonzi fixed this offensive line yet? I'm still so butt hurt over Tyler Linderbaum not being a Titan it is disgusting. However from what I was recently told his agent has a few former Titans players or current and due to their disappointment with the team it was put in his ear to avoid them. Not surprised if that was the case. But Jim, tell us why we should be confident in any change or IMPROVEMENT in record this season. I need a light at the end of this Titanic Tunnel.
Jim: Hooker on the trade block? 0-17? Jeez, Eli, you're in midseason form.
David Plieth from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hi, Jim. I hope you and yours are all doing well. I have a rules question and thought this would be a good time to ask it.
There is something I have seen happen a number of times that I do not understand. It involves passes to wide receivers where the receiver is obviously grabbed or contacted down field, but the refs rule there is no interference because the ball was not catchable. Fine, I get that. What I do not get is why the lesser penalty of either holding or illegal contact is not made. The lesser penalties do not require the ball to be catchable. In fact, the lesser calls do not even require the receiver to be the intended target of a pass. I have never seen refs apply the lesser penalty and have never seen a coach ask for the lesser penalty.
I can recall a game where the Titans were in a last-minute drive for a winning score when such a play occurred on a 4th down play. There was no interference called, the ball was turned over on downs, game over, we lost. The lesser call would have given the Titans a first down and the drive would have continued. The non-call ended their chances. I do not get it.
Jim: This is a fair question, Dave, and I've seen these scenarios play out myself. I just think officials try to use their discretion in these situations, and if a player doesn't have a chance to catch the ball, then the offense shouldn't be bailed out because of a lesser penalty.
Jon Trax from Adams, Tennessee
Question: How many quarterbacks will Titans keep on team, two or three?
Jim: Three, it's just a matter of whether it's three on the 53 or two on the 53 and one on the practice squad.
Remi Rylie from Montgomery, Alabama
Question: Jim, how do you view Jeffrey Simmons being in more rotation to have him for key moments in games.
Jim: I think Jeffery will need some breathers, but he needs to be out there in key moments. He's going to want to be out there in key moments.
Brent Joy from Baltimore, Maryland
Question: Jim, what position group is a group to watch for at training camp?
Jim: I'm going to say wide receivers, in part because I feel like I've talked so much about the o-line. I just think this WR group has a lot of talent, and I'm curious to see how things shake out in the fight to earn playing time, and roster spots.
James Essary Memphis Tennessee
Question: Wassup Jim It's almost really football time again super excited. You can feel the winds of change in the air. So not much has been touched on the differences of Bricillo and Callahan. I know you are gonna give the most polite answer but why should we expect the O line to be better under Bricillo then it was with Big Bill? I know they both supposed to be legends and both have great track records but Callahan couldn't do anything with line last year so why should we expect Bricillo to be better. I don't think it matters who coached Skoronski he is just a dog. Latham can't stay healthy. Moore hasn't played to his contract. And we only signed a bunch of backups and rookies. I know if the line holds we can be dominate this year. To be honest if we had a line the last couple of years we wouldn't had the number one and number 4 picks. Not to start the season off with negativity but this is my only thing I see that can hold us back. Titan up. Shout out to Cj2k may God be with him
Jim: Wassup James. Time will tell on this o-line. I don't want to make any bold predictions yet, definitely not before the pads come on (Monday is the day). I do understand this is an area that's going to be closely scrutinized and widely criticized if things don't go well. The Titans need this group to be good.
K Thomas from Rochester, New York
Question: Why do nobody talk about K MULLINGS IN THE RB ROOM?
Jim: What's up K? I like Kalel Mullings. I think he's off to a good start in camp. The RB room is deep, with Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Nick Singleton, Julius Chestnut and Michael Carter. Kalel is going to have to be good to stick around.
Jack Walker from Calabasas, California
Question: Hey Jim! Lots of hope going into this season... It's like a new car, still has the new car smell. New players, new coaching, new uniforms.. I was very happy they extended Jeffery Simmons... It's a fresh start for everyone!! On day 1/Game 1, everyone is on a Super Bowl trajectory, let's goooo!
Jim: Good to hear from you, Jack.
Have a great weekend everyone!
