NASHVILLE – We're now into mid-July, and just 10 days away from reporting date for Titans training camp.
I hope everyone is having a great summer.
Make the most of it before it's over.
Taking a break here to bang out another Titans mailbag.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Here we go…
Garrett Hintemeyer from Huntsville, Alabama
Question: Hey Jim. Been wondering on how our CBs are doing. More specifically Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley, Elijah Molden, and Roger McCreary. Because that's 4 starting caliber players for a position that only needs 2-3.
Jim: Hey Garrett. I like all four, and the competition will be fun to watch in camp. Fulton was good last year, and I think he'll be even better this year. I wish I could tell you every one of these guys were standouts in the offseason but the reality is Fulton, Farley and Molden were all limited and held out of some drills as they rehabbed/recovered from injuries. But I expect all of them to be ready for camp. McCreary did take part in all the offseason work, and I've been impressed. He's going to be a good one. Throw Buster Skrine and Chris Jackson and Greg Mabin into this group and the competition should be intriguing.
Carol Thomas from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: I have watched some of the Tik-Toc (yes, even at my age) of Derrick's conditioning tapes and from what I've seen he looks to be ready for the 2022 season. My question: How soon in the season will we know if his foot injury is COMPLETELY healed? He doesn't appear to be favoring it as some might do with that kind of injury but those tapes are not the same as him being on the field going 20 m.p.h. to the goal. I remember at the start of the 2021 season, I just knew with the line-up we had we would be almost unstoppable, then all the injuries starting piling up week after week but even then we managed to end the season with the number one seed. This year I'm not as confident as I was last year with our line-up but I am hoping my skepticism will be replaced with our players having fewer injuries and we go all the way to bring that Lombardi Trophy home. TitanUp!!!
Jim: Hi Carol! Derrick's foot is healed. I'm sure mentally Derrick will build confidence along the way as he plays, but the fact he's now six months away from playing against the Bengals and nine months from the injury, he's good. He said it himself. The team now needs to come together around him.
Joshua Squire from Spanish Fork, Utah
Question: Hi Jim. LOVE reading the mailbag each week. Long time fan from Utah, and I might actually get a chance to fly out to Nashville for a game this year! My question is which game should I go to? I know they would all be fun, but are the deep winter games especially fun? Division opponents? Obviously playoffs. Just hoping for the best possible atmosphere as this may be one of my only chances to go for real. Bengals game is high on my list. All the Best Jim, TitanUp
Jim: Oh man, this a tough call, Joshua. The Cowboys game could be epic, on a Thursday night in December. But there will be some other great ones too, from the Raiders in September to the Colts in October to the Bengals game you mentioned in November. It's all about what works for your schedule, and the weather, which is hard to predict.
Jeffery Raney from Pittsburg, Texas
Question: Hello Jim. I was wanting to know what your evaluation of Jordan Roos is. I watched him quite a bit during last year's preseason games and thought he played aggressively and all the way to whistle.
Jim: Hey Jeffery. I like Jordan Roos, and clearly the football folks do, too, because he's stuck around. He's a tough player. A few other tidbits: The guy wears shorts on freezing cold days, clearly unfazed by the weather. And he's pretty crafty as well. For example: When the Titans rolled out of their six busses and there was a logjam at the elevators when the team got to Tampa last year in the preseason, he found the service elevator and went up without a line. I know this because I spotted him, and jumped on the elevator with him. 😊
Jacob Herzog from Normal, Illinois
Question: Have the Titans announced the schedule for open practices for fans to come watch yet?
Jim: Not yet. Thinking it will probably be in the coming week. I'm going to mention this again, because I don't want fans to be surprised. Training camp is not going to be wide-open like it has been in years past. There will be days with fans, but it's going to be very limited (with a ticketing system and different groups on different days) because of the parking issues and new construction. Stay tuned.
Bill Daniel from Henderson, Kentucky
Question: When do you think the Titans will sign Roger and Malik? Is it unusual for picks to remain unsigned until this time of year?
Jim: At some point in the not-so-distant future. I don't ever sweat the rookie deals these days. Plenty of other guys around the league haven't signed yet either -- at least 12 of the second-round picks.
Ashwin Gajjala from Frisco, Texas
Question: Hi Jim. My question is: How will Titans without A.J. Brown?
Jim: Time will tell, Ashwin. The team is going to miss A.J., no doubt. But the Titans will be better at tight end, and they brought in some new guys at receiver. A lot hinges on the QB, the guys protecting him, and the running game. We'll find out in a few months.
Jacob Anderson from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Question: What up Jim it's ya boy Jacob. The Indianapolis colts are the most overrated team going into this offseason. Getting a 37 year old qb past his prime isn't gonna send the colts over the edge. Also I'm calling a Titans sweep again and I will head up to Indy to watch it happen so I can bathe in the tears of colts fans. Anyways thoughts on tacos?
Jim: Appreciate the feedback, Jacob. And, I like tacos. Had three of them last night, in fact, at San Antonio Taco Company on 21st Avenue in Nashville.
Marty May from Bellevue, Nebraska
Question: Hello Jim. First time writing in with a question but first I would like to say I have no doubts the Titans will be contending for the top spot in the AFC again this year after all the injuries last year and still getting the 1 seed. They're a resilient bunch under Vrabel.
My question is, do you think the NFL will ever increase the amount of players allowed on a roster? With the addition of an extra regular season game last year and talks of more regular season games coming, it would make sense to expand the roster size from 53. Or did the NFL expect an increase of regular season games when the CBA was reworked in 2020?
I think it could benefit some of the better GM's and teams ;)
Jim: Appreciate you taking the time, Marty. At some point I think it'll happen. I, too, think it makes a lot of sense. The league has done some things in recent years to create more opportunities, especially with the larger practice squads. Not sure when this will change, though.
Tommy Henley from Cookeville, Tennessee
Question: Man Jim I am pumped!! Training camp will be here before we no it an I'm praying for our boys good health especially with our short bye week, but never losing faith an I'm hoping Tannehill has a year like he did when he took over as our QB remember those tight windows he was throwing. Love my Titans! Guess this a more of a shout out then a question but I know it's gonna be a good year Jim. feel it in my heart an soul , cuz we still got Jim Swartz helping on defense the addition of Tim Kelly I can almost taste the winning games on the Horizon but thanks for letting me share Jim means a lot to me an if the fans and players are reading LETS GO! Titan Up!!
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Tommy.
Have a great weekend everyone!
