NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Shrek was released in theaters on April 22, 2001.

Several Titans teammates thought popular defensive lineman Josh Evans bore a resemblance to the cartoon ogre, voiced by Mike Myers

I’ve always smiled when thinking of Evans, who passed away Friday at 48 after a cancer fight, recalling the Shrek story that made so many on the team and in the press corps laugh.

The good-natured Evans, laughed too – up to a point.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A few thoughts ahead of Super Bowl LV…

I’m a sucker for a good logo.

The NFL’s switch to a generic Super Bowl logo for the 2010 season was symbolic. It took the life and the essence out of the emblem of the game, making things generic rather than giving each its individual flavor.

Thankfully the game itself has avoided the cookie-cutter desires of Park Avenue.

But in time, are we ever going to see the logo for this year’s game and connect it with the big moment in this game?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No matter where the NFL salary cap number for 2021 lands and how the Titans may free up money, the timing of the details may present an obstacle for them in attempts to re-sign their own players.

In what will be a unique trip toward free agency, cap uncertainty coming out of the Covid-19 adjusted NFL season could have a big bearing on Tennessee’s ability to have comprehensive negotiations with Jonnu Smith, Corey Davis, Jayon Brown, DaQuan Jones and/or Demond King.

The cap will be no lower than $175 million, which would be a reduction of a bit over $23 million. NFLPA sources believe it will settle at $180 million, per Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News. It’s also reportedly possible it could be $195, which would be down only $3.2 million.

So there is a wide range of possibilities, which seems understandable as the NFL and the NFLPA sort through what happened with revenue in a season where there was severely limited attendance due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The 2021 league year starts on March 17.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – His knee was strengthening. He was disconnected from any team. No contract offers were pending, as kicker demand wasn’t a thing in the winter and spring with the Covid-19 adjusted offseason.

Ryan Succop could relax and get right.

Cut by the Titans in March, he went regularly a few houses down to Nashville friend, and former teammate Luke Stocker’s place.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Greetings. I hope you had an excellent weekend and that your countdown to the Super Bowl is on.

I'm, still not sure how I feel about the game, though I am leaning Bucs right now.

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— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 31, 2021

Last year I was sure the need was pass rush in the draft,
And they drafted an immature tackle. This year, I think they should take two pass rushers with the first two picks. What are the chances that I am disappointed again?

— DeWayne Gee (@dewaynegee) February 1, 2021

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- We are not privy to conversations between the Titans coach and the Titans GM.

But Mike Vrabel's alterations to his coaching staff made the messaging loud and clear.

Pool photo: Mark Humphrey, AP

Vrabel doesn't find much fault with them.

Yes, he gave the obligatory quote about how they've got to be better, a super-standard Vrabel line.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- He values continuity so much, and considers his people so fantastic, that Mike Vrabel didn't see fit to go outside the organization but for one hire: an assistant defensive line coach.

Yeah, Kenechi Udeze will fix it.

Hiring Todd Downing as the tight ends coach -- from the OUTSIDE -- in 2019 to replace Arthur Smith when Smith was elevated to offensive coordinator was smart. It showed foresight. It lined up things for a scenario in case Smith ultimately moved on.

Which of today's moves is like that one?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mike Vrabel will soon hire a tight ends coach, as he is elevating Todd Downing to replace Arthur Smith as the Titans' offensive coordinator, Tom Pelissero reports and I've confirmed.

Downing was hired in 2019 to replace Smith when he was elevated to replace Matt LaFleur as the team’s offensive play-caller. Now, with Smith the new coach in Atlanta, Downing will be Tennessee's third play-called in four seasons.

Vrabel's move again provides the Titans with continuity.

Downing spent 2015-2017 with the Raiders and was their offensive coordinator in the final year of the Jack Del Rio regime.

That offense was not especially good: 18th overall, 16th in passing, 25th in rushing and 23rd in points averaging 18.8.

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