NASHVILLE – The next phase of the Titans offseason begins in the coming week, as the team begins organized team activities (OTAs).
The Titans will be on the field Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of this week before another round of OTAs next week.
Questions continue to flow into the mailbag.
Let's keep the conversation going…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Rob Haye from Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Question: Hi Jim, long time reader and contributor a few times.
Question on Thursday night games, based on published schedule, Titans don't show a Thursday night game at the moment, so are we to expect that we are going to be one of the flex games in Dec that will get moved to THURS, but that will be a TBD?
As for the team, looks like the offense is shaping up to be interesting, so long as this new revamped O line can protect Levis long enough to unload the ball, because it won't be for a lack of weapons at his disposal.
Could be a surprising year for Titans and all the naysayers, if we get our act together and put points on the board.
Jim: Hey Rob. The Titans aren't "currently" scheduled to play on Thursday night this year, which I think is a good thing. No short weeks, which is a recipe for more injuries. The league did away with the rule which put every team in a Thursday night game.
But …… that could change.
Here's a look at the "flexible scheduling" rules: For Sunday night, may be used twice between Weeks 5-10, and at the NFL's discretion during Weeks 11-17; and for Monday night at the NFL's discretion in Weeks 12-17; and for Thursday Night Football it may be used up to twice between Weeks 13-17. In weeks of the season eligible for "flexible scheduling," the games listed for the Sunday, Monday and Thursday night window are tentative and subject to change. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday, Monday or Thursday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday or Monday night game would be moved to a Sunday afternoon.
So, with Thursday Night flex starting in Week 14, technically games vs JAX, CIN, IND, and JAX again could be subject to a move to Thursday.
As for the o-line, I can pretty much guarantee it's going to be better.
Patrick Hehir from Cincinnati, Ohio
Question: What's the toughest part of the schedule?
Jim: It's hard to say, Patrick. You never know for sure how good/bad teams might be. Who thought the Texans would turn into a formidable foe from one season to the next? At first glance, the at Detroit/at Buffalo back-to-back in October looks tough, but you can't say for sure. I like the stretch of four AFC South games in the final five – it's going to keep things interesting.
John Feeley from Boston, Massachusetts
Question: Hi Jim, hope all is well. In regards to which games the Titans plan on wearing the Oiler jerseys in 24, will there be an announcement sometime this summer on which games they plan on wearing them or will we have to wait for the "Britches Report"? I'm flying down from Boston this year so holding out hope the Titans will wear them vs a former AFL opponent like the Patriots
Jim: I think this falls into the TBD category. Last year, the Titans announced which games they'd wear the Oilers unis in advance. There was a very real possibility of the team adding a third Oilers game during the season (TNF at Pittsburgh), but it didn't work out. The Britches Report would be happy to deliver this news, but we'll see what folks decide around here…
Michael Schlitz from Columbus, Georgia
Question: Jim, First and foremost I just want to reiterate what so many of us who have written in or just read your mailbag each week have said, thank you for keeping us fans updated on all things Titans.
I meant to write in for the Tuesday mailbag but was traveling for work. With rookie minicamp last week a lot of the attention was on our draft picks and a few of the undrafted free agents, rightly so.
My question is more about what you saw from the former first round picks William Jackson III and Shane Ray during the week? Do you think either one of them or both did enough to be seen moving into OTA's next week?
For the most part I think we kind of know who our starters are going to be at the majority of the positions and that most of the competition is going to be at depth roles. This is where I like to pay the most attention because you're only one injury away from these men having to step up. Something we have seen a lot of in the past few years.
One last question just for fun, who is one Prospect we should keep an eye on that has impressed you up to this point? Thanks for all you do and your dedication to the Titans and us.
Jim: Hey Michael. I appreciate it. I feel fortunate to have the job I have, working for the NFL team in my hometown. I'll always bust it, I can promise you that. As for Jackson and Ray, I watched both of them during the minicamp, Ray more than Jackson, to be perfectly honest. Ray looked explosive to me, with fresh legs. I kind of thought the team might be interested in signing him, but it hasn't happened yet. I guess there's a possibility the team could shuffle some guys off and others in at some point. As for a prospect to keep an eye on, I'm not going to name a starter or a high draft pick, because that's too easy. I'll throw out rookie receiver Jha'Quan Jackson, the team's sixth-round pick, out there. He's looked explosive, and he's thicker and sturdier than I thought. He could be fun to watch.
Christopher Baker from Chesterfield, Virginia
Question: Is this more of a rebuilding year seeing as the new coaches are coming in plus we are getting a new stadium in the next couple years or are we all in this year? Don't want to buy expensive tickets if we aren't going to take this year serious.
Jim: Let me run down and ask Jeffery Simmons real quick if he plans on taking this year seriously. brb …
Ed Helinski from Auburn, New York
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is going well these days. We're getting closer to training camp.
What's your overall reaction to the Titans 2024 schedule? And what's your thoughts on all of the schedule leaks prior to the official announcement?
Jim: Looked like a pretty fair schedule to me, Ed. I didn't see any schedule leaks come from around here. I noticed folks in other markets break some scheduling news that included the Titans, and some things were pieced together. With teams and league folks getting access to the schedules more than 24 hours in advance, these leaks are bound to happen.
Andy Stambene from Lethbridge, Canada
Question: Hi Jim hope things are going well with you and your Famiglia...Not a Question just a comment or two about the draft after a fruitful Free agency signing period. Yes the Titans missed out on Big Joe but JC Latham could turn out to be the better LT and with coach Bill Callahan he could very well make that happen especially with all the qualities JC seems to exude in volumes...and the taking of T'Vondre Sweat was a pick that could be a Home Run...I can see T'Vondre willingly taking up 2 blockers each and every play, leaving some gaps and holes open for blitzing LB's,OLB's and DB's! And with that more Sacks,Fumbles and INT's by the unsuspecting Offenses the Titans face. Could be a whole lot Fun on the Defense and with the Offense taking on more pieces plus solidifying that OLine our New/Old WR's and RB's could rack big numbers if not more big plays...Will the race to gain a play-off berth be easy of course not since both the Texans and Jaguars have loaded up themselves...so from my vantage point a 3 team "Arms' race! I like our chances and I like the veteran leadership that the Titans have acquired together with our Home grown talent.And unlike the naysayers the Titans had the kind of draft that was good for them... Latham,Sweat,Gray,Brownlee,Jackson,Williams and Harrell! Wishing the best for the Titans to come out Blazing and Blasting(figuratively) away! Like to see the Titans slaying a whole bunch of "monsters"... and to quote an Old Jerry Glanville saying...Someone is going to pay for all these hangings!!!
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Andy.
John Hammond from Newcastle, Oklahoma
Question: Jim, just a comment on Mason Rudolph. Titans fans are going to be surprised at how good Mason is at QB. There were lots of fans in Pittsburgh that said after the last three regular season games, he's at least one of the top 25 QB's in the league. Maybe higher. So who knows how things will play out but the Titans could be a real surprise nationally.
Jim: I've been watching Mason in the offseason work, and he's looked good to me, John. Big guy, good arm. I think he's going to be a solid No.2, someone capable of stepping in and winning if he's called upon.
Jeff Wells from Syracuse, New York
Question: Hi Jim, excited for next season and looking forward to seeing what Levis and this team can be with all the additions. What are the chances the team would give Caleb Farley a look at safety similar to the move they made with Elijah Molden? I would still like to see a veteran addition at safety but with the additions at corner, Farley would be looking at an uphill battle to see the field there and may benefit from a position change. Regardless, hope to see him healthy and playing again with all he's had to go through. Hope you're doing well and thank you!
Jim: I've been asked this a few times, Jeff. My answer has always been the same: I'm not expecting it, and I haven't heard it mentioned as much of a possibility. Things could always change, I guess, but I think I'd be surprised.
Dee '3D' Ingram from Horn Lake, Mississippi
Question: Hey Jim Jus wanna say first We as a Titan Up Nation want to Thank U for All U do to keep Us informed on the Important Things and Issues n Concerns that We as fans Have and Let U know keep doing a Great Job. I'm 3 hours away in Horn Lake/Southaven Ms by Memphis TN but Wen I read Your columns and stories and information that U give I feel so Connected like I'm right there in Nashville Thanks My Guy Question Do U think Our Guy Will the Thrill n Chill Levis can effectively in your opinion lead Us and this New High Powered Offense or Is He Really Our Guy for the Future from wat U have seen and observed Jim???
Jim: Hey 3D. Appreciate you reading from Horn Lake. Based on what I've seen so far from Will, I'm optimistic abut his chances of getting better and better, and being good. But he has to stay healthy. With the new weapons around him, I think he's poised for a big year. Check out this story I wrote about Will that was posted yesterday: CLICK HERE.
Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Question: Hey Jim, excitement is in the air! Looking at this schedule, I think is favors the Titans. I can see a 10-7, even 11-6 on paper. I cannot wait to see how is looks on the field. I see the Chargers game in November and I will be there! This is going to be a great start to the Callahan era! Hope you have a great weekend Jim and as always TITAN UP!!
Jim: After back-to-back seasons of 7-10 and 6-11, I'm sure plenty of Titans fans would be happy with 10-7 or 11-6, especially Christopher. See ya in LA!
Have a great weekend everyone!
