Jim Wyatt answers questions from Titans fans before the season opener

NASHVILLE – Well, we did it.

The Titans open the 2024 season on Sunday against the Bears in Chicago.

From this point on, the Titans will answer many questions on the football field.

But that will have to be enough for today.

Let's roll out one more Titans mailbag before we head to the Windy City…

Here is the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE

Steven McSeveney from Glasgow, Scotland
Ask: Hi Jim. I can't wait for the season to start. I think we had a really strong offseason and I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can do on the field this year. The week one game against the Bears happens to be on my birthday – and Chig and Josh Whyle's birthday too, for that matter – so I'm hoping the guys can give me a win as a birthday present. My brother is actually a Bears fan, so it's going to be loud at my house on Sunday!
Before the season begins, I have cautious hopes of a secret playoff appearance, but I would also be happy to see a successful season for a completely new team. (I said: optimistic!)
I'm curious to know what you think our biggest improvements have been between last year and today?
Keep up the good work!

Jim: Nice to hear from you, Steven. And happy birthday! I hope you have a great day – and don't get into a fight with your brother! 😊
This team feels so different, especially on offense. It's just a different style, with a lot of new faces across the board. I think that's where you'll see the biggest improvements – less predictability, more explosiveness and more points. I also know there will be some teething issues, that not everything will be perfect at the beginning. But I think it's going to be a fun season with more fun games.

Bill Holmes of Fairport, New York
Ask: Happy September, Jim! I'm thankful we were able to keep Bryce Oliver and Gabe Jeudy-Lally on the practice squad. I expect both of them to play big roles this season if given the opportunity.
Chicago will be a tough test to begin with, but I see a lot of bulldogging on both sides of the ball – and more importantly, from the coaching staff. I was excited about Vrabel and his ability to get the most out of his guys, but I think the balance of talent and the versatility of the (obvious) playbook will get us better results. Carthon could end up being our MVP.
My question: I know that the “experts” rate us all as a 500 percent team at best. What is the general opinion as to why we are not doing well enough? Too many substitutions, untested? Thinly staffed in the positions? Major deficiencies?

Jim: Hey Bill. I have no idea what the “experts” think. If the franchise has been 7-10 and 6-11 the last two seasons, I have my doubts. Let's not forget that the Titans have lost 18 of their last 24 games. That's one of the reasons Vrabel was fired. But this is a new team with a new coach and a whole bunch of new players. We'll see how it goes.

Ali Sinkular from Tennessee
Ask: Is D Hop expected to be on the field against the Bears?

Jim: Hey Ali. Hopkins has been practicing all week. The team has officially listed him as questionable for Sunday's game, and coach Brian Callahan has listed his playing time as questionable.

Qwantez Brown of Dyersburg, Tennessee
Ask: The Titans have simply gotten better, but one thing has held them back from success: quarterback. Can Will Levis be a full-time starter in Tennessee, or will Mason Rudolph play part of the regular season and become the starter?

Jim: Hey Qwantez. Will Levis is the team's starting quarterback. Unless he gets injured, no one plans on changing that during the season.

Michael Lewis from Tucson, Arizona
Ask: Hey Jim, ready for football!! I think Levis will throw for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. How close do you think he will get to those numbers?

Jim: I think a lot of people would be happy with those numbers. Time will tell, Michael…

James Weise of Winfield, Alabama
Ask: Do you know what jersey combination the Titans will wear this weekend against the Chicago Bears?

Jim: White jerseys, light blue shorts, navy blue socks.

Jae Jones from Washington, DC
Ask: Hey, what's up, Jim?
It's my favorite time of the year, football season
Ba-BBBBYYY!! *Dick Vitale voice* 😂 Lol.
I can't lie, I'm even more excited than usual to see this year's Titans team.
As an out-of-town Titans fan, I want to thank you all for your incredible work and for keeping us out of town up to date with all Titans news and events.
My question concerns the “Britches”.
Why are we only wearing the Oilers' “Luv Ya Blue” throwback jerseys once this year (maybe twice, correct me if I'm wrong) and who can we talk to about getting them into the rotation more often next year?
These are the best throwback jerseys in the game and we Titans fans (and the rest of the NFL) need to see them more often 😎.
I hope to see you in Washington in December.
Titan up ⚔️

Jim: Hey Jae. Sounds like you're hot!
The plan is to wear the Oilers' retro jerseys once, in the final regular season game against the Texans in Week 18. The light blue jerseys were added to the rotation, which affected the numbers. That's the owner's decision. I understand that people love the retro jerseys, but judging by the feedback I've received, I feel like people love the light blue in the uniforms, whether it's jerseys or pants.

Reinhard Schiendorfer from Fosdinovo, Italy
Ask: Hi Jim, what happened to Chig? I can't find him on the depth chart anymore.

Jim: Hey Reinhard. He's there, I promise, with/next to Josh Whyle – that's probably why you missed him in the rankings. The Titans need Chig to settle in and hit the ground running this season. If he can do that, the offense would benefit tremendously.

Donnie Brown of Ashland City, Tennessee
Ask: Hey Jim. It's a new year with a new coach and a new team. I know fans will have a lot of questions and theories on where our Titans team will end up this year. A lot of questions on why we kept 5 TEs. I see we have a very tough schedule and finishing above .500 would be a win-win for us! You don't build a Superbowl team in a year, sometimes you just get lucky. So our fans shouldn't get too excited before the season starts. First, we need to stay 100% healthy, second, our coaches need to make sure the players on the field can perform, and third, we need to protect our quarterback at all costs. I think that's why we're keeping 5 TEs, they're bigger and block better than WRs protecting our QBs. I can't wait for our first game! Jim, do you think if we go 2-2 in our first 4 games, that would be a win for us? Thanks for all your posts and analysis, you are the best! Keep up the good work – Go Titans!!!!!!!! Donnie

Jim: I hear you, Donnie. And while you'll never find a coach or player who agrees with you on this point, I'd take a 2-2 draw before the off-season in a heartbeat.

Dana Pickerel from Las Vegas, Nevada
Ask: Hi Jim. Could you please tell Will Levis to wear the number 7 again since it is now available? Thanks.

Jim: Hi Dana. Will is not changing his number to 7. He said this week that he loves 8 and has no plans to change the number.

Jim Williams from Lubbock, Texas
Ask: Hi Jim. No questions today, just my predictions for 2024. The Titans will finish 11-6 and win the AFC South. Will Levis will throw 36 touchdown passes for 4,000 yards. Calvin Ridley will have 9 TD receptions. Tony Pollard will rush for 1,000 yards. Jeffrey Simmons will have 12 QB sacks. Quandre Diggs will have 6 interceptions. T-Sweat will be named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Ryan Stonehouse will average 52 yards per punt. Brian Callahan will be named NFL Coach of the Year. Ran Carthon will be named NFL Executive of the Year. Titan fans have a lot to look forward to in 2024, Jim.

Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Jim.

Joyce Bentley of Nashville, Tennessee
Ask: I hope you can answer my question and I hope you don't think it's stupid! I remember the Titans had “Women's Football 101” before Covid. Does that still exist or do you expect it to come back???

Jim: Hi Joyce, I've asked around about this and there are currently no current discussions about a return.

Steve Furry from Cape Canaveral, Florida
Ask: Hi Jim. Hope you and your family are doing well. Thank you for your expertise on the Titans organization. I love reading your weekly emails. Just a statement from me. This is the first time in several years of being a Titan fan I am FIRE!!! for our team this year. With all the coaching and player changes. I am so excited to see our team play. I can't wait until all the haters realize our team is real and we finally get the recognition we deserve! Titan Up!!!!!!!!!!

Jim: Thanks for reading this, Steve. I'm excited to get started myself!

I wish everyone a nice weekend!