I hate to start of a Monday links with such sad news, but it's a heart-breaking loss for a key member of this franchise: Steve Underwood and his wife lost their 19 year old son Dennis back on February 15th. Steve covered this somewhat during a radio interview after the final Jeff Fisher press conference, saying the health of his son was a big reason he was retiring in the summer. Dennis Underwood was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, which left him severally developmentally challenged and in need of around the clock care. Doctors had told the Underwood's that Dennis wouldn't make it to 10, but he nearly doubled their estimate and was a great source of love and joy for his family. Mrs. Underwood had dedicated the past 19 years to giving her son the best care possible. The entire MCM family sends condolences and best wishes to the entire Underwood family, and we all take solace in knowing that Dennis is no longer in pain. If you'd like to make a donation, the family requests that you give to the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation to aide support and research.
Jim Wyatt reports that Thorchak is closing in on his next coaching hire: longtime O-line coach Art Balero could be brought in to be Bruce Matthews' assistant. I think this could be a very good move, and could help ease any concerns about Matthews' inexperience as a coach.
After years of bouncing around the NFL, Jason Babin is really hoping to land a lengthy deal here in Nashville. If he's willing to trade some salary for a few extra years on his contract, it could be a big win for the Titans. More than anything else, Babin is hoping that the Titans don't use the franchise tag on him, tough the tag doesn't prohibit further negotiations on a long-term deal.
Not sure if we've covered this before, but Eugene Amano will not have to have surgery to get over the lingering neck stingers that landed him on the IR.
Shutdown Corner goes over the pros and cons of Cam Newton, who at some point will have to meet and workout for NFL coaches and scouts, not just media lap dogs.
Wow, you can't be much more wrong than Peter King was this past season (bottom of the first page has his worst predictions...
Further proving that a significant portion of the general population is just barely smart enough to breathe, 4.9% of FO's readership voted Marc Mariani as the most overrated special teams player of 2010. Though, my faith is somewhat restored by the fact that they voted the Miller Lite commercials from this past season as the most annoying. That has to be the worst campaign I can remember in years: how does a snide, bitchy bar tender and douchey patrons make me want to buy your piss water beer? Who ever signed off on that should be exiled from society and forced to live on deserted island with everyone who makes a cell phone commercial.
Email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com and be sure to follow me @AugustWest_MCM