August 2009 Archives

With only one day available for both Big Money Tony and I to attend Redskins training camp, we opted out for various reasons. I was brimming with anticipation of attending my first training camp. I desperately wanted to see Albert Haynesworth, Brian Orakpo, and the competition at right tackle. Somehow along the way I was derailed by Tony's discouraging reasons that jolted me back into reality.

Below are the top ten reasons we didn't attend Redskins Training Camp:

10. Wake up early:

That's right get up before the crack of dawn to meet Tony at his place to begin the trek to camp. That's not really an issue, but getting ready to roll out that early to see the world when catching up on sleep lost from the work week or at least relaxing around the house attending to some weekly chores could be more tempting, but I soldiered on and still was interested in going.

9. Get some exercise:

After Tony told me how early we'd need to get moving, he also told me it was to get a better parking space and not walk as far.

8. Bring sunblock:

No shielding from the sun, no problem. I've got sunblock.

7. But I can get autographs, right?

So at least I can get a couple of autographs, right? What, if I'm lucky I can get Larry Michaels autograph. Thanks, I'll pass!

6. Standing room only:

When I asked about bleacher seating, Tony told me to get used to standing because there is no seating unless you collapse on the grass for a seat.

5. Damn it's hot:

It's DC and it's August. All native Washingtonians know what type of weather to expect, but Tony also delighted in regailing me with how hot it gets out there and with no shade for protection.

4. The bugs:

For a man that seldomly complains, I took the threat of bugs and being bitten up seriously from Tony on top of an already hot day without seating. When he said there's also lots of nats he wasn't talking about the Nationals he was talking about gnats.

3. Great pictures:

It's all worth it because I have some pictures that I'll treasure...Tony what do you mean that even with your professional camera you can't get a good picture?!

2. I like indoor plumbing:

Oh, and you have to use port a johns. Considering the coniditions of some of the rest rooms at FedEx Field...I'll pass.

1. No Cheerleaders!:

How can this be? It's hot and everyone's wearing skimpy clothing and yet I'm to believe the cheerleading uniforms aren't ventelated enough to keep our beloved Redskins Cheerleaders cool? That's just crazy talk!

I don't know why so many pundits and journalists think the preseason is unimportant. Not only does it help determine NFL rosters, but it also means its time for fantasy football scouting. Sure, its not like we are trying to draft a team for the real Super Bowl, but to us postseason fantasy victory is our little Super Bowl.

With that said, over the next week I am going to be doing a series of articles focusing on who the big players are going to be in fantasy football this year, starting with the running backs.

It is no secret that drafting a good running back can make or break your season. The ground game is an important part to fantasy football because there is usually just one running back getting most the carries, unlike wide receivers who have the ball spread around. A back can pull in the upwards of 20-30 points in a week depending on the scoring style.

Top 5 Running Backs

1. Adrian Peterson - This is the obvious number one overall pick in a fantasy draft. Peterson is the most explosive offensive player in the NFL and will put points on the board. It also helps his fantasy stock since the Vikings are a run oriented team. What team wouldn't be with this guy? There isn't much to be said about Peterson other than, if you have the first overall pick you better be taking him.

2. Michael Turner - While Turner had been around the league for the last few years, he really burst on to the scene last year with the Atlanta Falcons. The running game was key to Atlanta's success and they struck a good balance between running the football and throwing it. He is projected to go number two overall but don't be surprised if a flashy receiver like Larry Fitzgerald is taken over him. If you get Turner be ready for lots of touchdowns and be sure to get a secondary back that can get you the yards.

3. DeAngello Williams - Here is where I begin to differ from the experts. Many have Maurice Jones-Drew as the third top running back but I am not too sure. While Jones-Drew had 12 touchdowns on the ground, he only had 824 yards rushing. Williams, on the other hand, had 1515 yards on the ground and 18 touchdowns. He is a scoring machine and did all of it splitting carries with Jonathan Stewart. Jones-Drew does have more receiving yards but still has fewer total yards than Williams. With a inconsistent passing game in Carolina, don't be surprised if Williams isn't again at the the top of the fantasy world.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew - Even though Jones-Drew lost the third spot, he only dropped to number four on my list. It is his receiving yards that gives him value. He doesn't get a ton of yards on the ground, but has a enough receiving yards and goal line touchdowns to make it worth your while.

5. Matt Forte - What a rookie season for this kid last year. Chicago struggled moving the ball through the passing game all year, but Forte remained consistent. Expect much of the same this year as Jay Cutler seems to be unable to maintain a rhythm with his receivers. To go along with his rushing yards, expect Forte to have a ton of receiving yards, seeing as Cutler likes to check down often. He isn't a top pick over a some receivers and quarterbacks, but is a solid number one running back.

5 Surprises

1. Kevin Smith - I know I know, I am a Lions fan so it looks like I am just plugging the hometown kid. In reality though, he may have a very good year. New head coach Jim Schwartz has put an emphasis on running the football in Detroit. While Smith only had eight touchdowns last year, he was only 24 yards short of a 1,000 yard season. Provided that the defense can keep the Lions out of an early hole expect the Motor-City Kitties to run the ball.

2. Steve Slaton - Can we really call him a surprise for this year? Slaton had a fantastic season last year with almost 1,300 yards. It was his low number of touchdowns that keeps him out of the top five best. Slaton should be an important part to Houston's run to the playoffs. With the team searching for their first postseason birth, they will have to vary the run and pass game. Look for Slaton in the backfield as well as the flat.

3. Ray Rice - Mini-Ray, as many call him in Baltimore, has all but locked up the starting spot for the Ravens. Even though he may be small in frame, he certainly can turn on the speed. He is in a system that is characterized by their love of smash mouth football. As a result the Ravens will do two things: play defense and run the ball. Rice is poised to have a huge season and don't be surprised if he is towards the top of the AFC. His extra speed gear will certainly lead to some long touchdown runs.

4. Knowshon Moreno - Even though he hasn't practiced in two weeks, expect him back for the regular season Moreno is on a team that hasn't been able to the run the ball in a few years, but is also going to struggle in the passing game. Look for the Bronco's to run a lot this year. To go along with his abilities in the backfield he will be a safety blanket for who ever starts for Denver. His out routes and curls will provide easy completions for either Chris Simms or Kyle Orton.

5. Rashard Mendenhall - Lets be real here, while Ben Roethlisberger is a winner, he is not an amazing quarterback. As a result, the Steelers are successful in the run. In past years it has been "way fast" Willie Parker that has taken the snaps for Pittsburgh. But there are questions about his ability to stay healthy. I am not putting a lot of faith in Parker this year, thus I think he will be oft injured. Mendenhall will be able to step in and take the carries and gain the yards needed to be a solid number two back.

Jim Riggleman has done a decent job since the Nationals fired Manny Acta. While some feel Manny had to go, others think Manny would have similar success at this point in the season with this team. Nyjer Morgan just does not get that good because of Riggleman.

That said, thoughts of what is going to occur in 2010 with the team are afloat. Of course there will be that pesky pitching thing. But who will lead this time? Funny that it is now rumored Bobby Valentine and Buck Showalter are on the Nationals list of interviews. The Sports Freak and I discussed this very topic when Riggleman took over. Well, not Showalter, but definitely Bobby V.

Showalter, I had not anticipated. I'm curious to see what he can bring to the table, but that may be the issue. Good solid veteran manager is what the Nationals need. While Showalter has been around awhile, I don't know if he fits the bill.

Valentine was a manager in MLB, probably most famously with the New York Mets. Once after being ejected from a game, he decided to return to the dugout with fake glasses, nose, and moustache. A little humor and personality just might be whtat the Nationals need in a leader. He currently manages a team in Japan, but they will not renew him after this season.

The baseball historian in me would have liked to have seen John Smoltz, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine all enter the Hall of Fame together in the same class. This would most likely have been the case if Smoltz hadn't attempted to give it one more try when he pitched for the Red Sox this year. Maddux retired last year, Glavine was released before he ever pitched an inning this year, so both are eligible to be inducted in 2014. Now Smoltz has to wait another year, assuming he doesn't pitch again next year.

Maybe some baseball writers will not vote for Maddux and Glavine on the first ballot with the intent to vote for them on the second ballot along with Smoltz.

The top and the bottom of this division couldn't have been farther apart last year. That said however, this division could be up for grabs this year.

1. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota won the division last year, and with their offseason moves are out in front again. Percy Harvin and Brett Favre will certainly improve the passing on a team that could never really rely on a quarterback last year. Oh yeah, and they also have the best player in the league Adrian Peterson.

While the offense may not be the best in the division, there is no question that there defense is. Minnesota returns the ever ominous Williams wall that will be sure to stop the run. To go along with their strong tackles they also have ever eccentric Jared Allen. Even though he may do some odd things on and off the field(see celebration rope the calf) there is no question that all quarterbacks fear him.

The strange thing about this team is that their best moves this year may also be their worst. Favre is older and no one knows what they will get out of him. There is a very good chance that his 40 year old body can't deal with the grind of the NFL. If that happens Vikings fans should worry, because when Favre is not at full strength he tends to make poor decisions and turn the ball over.

2. Green Bay Packers

From the team with Brett Favre to the one who got rid of him. Green Bay experienced some growing pains last year as they moved on to new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The funny part about it though, is that it was the defense that had the problems. Sure, Ryan Grant struggled a bit but the Pack generally lost because they were outscored not out played.

There is hope in cheese head nation this year however, as the green and yellow drafted highly touted DT B.J. Raji. While he did hold out for most of training camp, the rookie should fit in nicely with the teams new defensive scheme. If the secondary can hold down the fort and just allow the offense to its thing, the Packers could easily take the division from the Vikings.

The other thing that fans should look out for is a more driven Rodgers. It was one thing last year to have your former spot holder in another Conference, now he is in the same division. Rodgers will have to show Packer nation that he was not a mistake and that he is better than Favre. The best way for him to do that, is to beat Favre at home and away.

3. Chicago Bears

There is a big gap between the number two team in the division and number three. The Chicago Bears are sort of like a man without a country, they don't really know what they are. It wasn't that long ago that they were in the Super Bowl as a defensive powerhouse. Now they are running locomotive with Matt Forte, and in the offseason traded for a rocket arm in Jay Cutler.

If this franchise hopes to stay out of the bottom spot in the division they must do some soul searching this year. They won the Jay Cutler sweepstakes in the offseason but don't have any weapons around him. It is often said that a quarterback is only as good as his receivers, and lets just say Cutler doesn't have the best receivers.

In Denver last year, Cutler was throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. This year he is throwing to Devin Hester and Earl Bennett. Many will point to the difference in the two core's offensive stats, and while that is important it is the height difference that is going to be the problem. Marshall is 6'4'' and could go up and get the ball, while the tallest Bears receiver is only 6'.

On top of a lost offense, the teams defense is long worn out. Brian Urlacher is supposed to be the heart of the defense, but yet he hasn't put up the stats in nearly two years. Chicago should be looking to outscore opponents this year, instead of keeping them at bay.

4. Detroit Lions

Rounding out the NFC North is the Motor City Kitties. While they may be brining up the rear in preseason rankings, don't be surprised if they don't move up a spot or two in the division. I am not saying that they will be the Miami Dolphins of 2009 by any means, but they may surprise a few people.

After the historic overdeafted season Detroit had last year, the team has had a complete overhaul. To go along with a GM the team also has a new head coach in Jim Schwarz and has turned over at least half of the roster. Oh, and there is some new kid named Matt who might start at quarterback.

A beefed up defensive line and a revival at quarterback, coupled with a somewhat easy schedule, may be just the recipe the Lions need to turn the corner. While winning eight games is a long shot, don't be surprised if they don't pull out five wins. A new defensive scheme and a shored up linebacking core may allow for the team to pull out a few upset wins.

Final Thoughts

With many teams looking at question marks heading into the season, the division is far from decided. Every team took gambles in the offseason and some may prove more successful than others. In reality thought, while not a sure thing it is the Vikings division to lose. If the Favre experiment doesn't work out the team could be in trouble. On the other hand though, if it does, don't be surprised if you seem them playing meaningful football in January.

Title sound strange? It did to me. I did not catch the game last night, but Chad Ochocinco can also place kick. Last night after a touchdown minutes before halftime, Cincinatti had a dilemma. Kicker Shayne Graham had felt soreness in pre-game warmups. Ochocinco is the listed emergency kicker, but other than practice, has not kicked in pre-season, regular season, or playoffs. His chance came up and he did it.

The kick proved to be the game winning point as New England could only muster 2 field goals. You may not like Ochocinco's off the field antics, but you gotta admire his skill at wide receiver and now, backup kicker. See the video below. Not dramatic, but it's odd to see #85 line up behind the holder and knock it through the uprights.

Are you looking to find some additional insight for your fantasy league draft to unlock that undiscovered sleeper player? Are you not completely satisfied with your fantasy magazine and looking for one more opinion? Look no further too yet one more site to immerse yourself in fantasy information overload.

Please feel free to send The DC Sports Page your questions...from keeper questions to draft questions.

Last year I advised fantasy goers to take Michael Turner after the dust of the front running rb's went off the board, as well as, Slayton and Bradshaw. I also suggested taking DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart. Although Ted Ginn, Jr. disappointed fantasy teams again, many of the other suggestions panned out.

Andrew Tomlinson will be featuring this year's article. Please feel free to direct your questions to any of the writers if you'd like.

In case you have not heard, Superbowl champion and former New York Giant and Pittsburgh Steeler Plaxico Burress plead guilty today to brandishing an unregistered firearm. The plea likely means a 2 year sentence for the wide receiver. Legal experts say with good behavior, he'll be out in 20 months.

There are two major mistakes Burress has already committed. Obviously brandishing the weapon was the first mistake. Defending one's self is fine, but you know the easiest way is stay home. Second easiest? Hire professional help. The second mistake is the rumor that he was offered a sweetheart deal of a six month sentence. Yes, he would have missed part or all of the 2009 season, but that's happening now anyways.

Looking at mistake #2, we can't help but compare it to two other NFL players plagued by criminal activity. Michael Vick could have been in jail for a long long time. But after facing the cards, he and his legal team realized his best chance at post conviction NFL career was to plead guilty and take his medicine as soon as possible. Even Donte Stallworth, who killed a man while driving, knew he was stuck in a corner. He pled guilty as well and got a month worth of jail time. Of course Commissioner Roger Goodell imposed a stronger sentence by suspending Stallworth for the entire 2009 season.

If Burress is smart, he would ask for an earlier sentencing date. Currently set for September 22, he should take the next week to get his house in order for his stay in prison and get in as soon as possible. Vick turned himself in early to get his sentence out of the way. It worked to his advantage as he was out in time to join the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason and play for part of 2009. That was probably part of Stallworth's plan as well. If Burress can get himself sentenced and in prison soon, he could be out in late April/early May 2011, just after the draft, in time for teams to evaluate their free agent needs. Goodell as already stated that Burress can sign with a team once his prison term is over.

So Plaxico Burress, as a warning from the public, don't make mistake #3. Get in and get out as soon as possible so maybe you can play another year or two in 2011.

There are three things we can count on in life: death, taxes and the inevitable comeback of Brett Favre.

This year is no different as number 4 has returned from a six month retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings. Even though it is total deja vu, something seems different about the situation. Favre adds something the men in purple haven't had in a long time, a successful quarterback, but does he really make this team better?

Sure, Favre has more credentials than Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson, but he is another year older. We all know about last year's injury and the question is whether or not it will return again this year. He says he feels much better than last year and is set to go, but no one will know how good he actually feels until the season starts.

On paper, the only thing that Favre seems to add to the Vikings are more turnovers.

Vikings signal callers only threw 17 interceptions last year and fumbled the ball a total of four times. Favre on the other hand, had 22 interceptions and five fumbles. While the turnover margin isn't big, it is still enough to question whether or not this move makes the Vikings better.

The argument can be made that Favre's numbers trailed off because of his arm injury. While it makes sense, stats from the past make it seem like it is just Favre's play style. He has had five season with more than 20 turnovers, the most recent being 2005.

Many would describe Favre as a "gunslinger." Many coaches see this as a good quality, as it means he attempts to make game changing plays. That said however, being a gunslinger also leads to poor decisions, something Brett is not foreign too. I think everyone remembers the overtime interceptions he has carelessly thrown in the playoffs.

Back to the original question though, does Favre make the Vikings better?

In my own personal opinion it is a high risk high, high reward situation. Number 4 will certainly throw the football, but will those extra passes put the Vikings over the top is yet to be seen. It is Adrian Peterson's team after all and thus is a run first offense. The quarterback is really only there to hand him the ball and run pass plays when the run isn't an option, which isn't often.

Any quarterback can really be plugged into that situation, especially considering that the team doesn't really have any major receivers to get the ball to. While the addition of Percy Harvin was nice, he is by no means a serious downfield threat. Favre is not going to be content just simply handing the rock off and thus may try to do too much when he does get the opportunity to pass. Often times that is a recipe for a turnover.

I still haven't answered the question though and that is because I don't think I can. We will have no idea how Favre will effect the Vikings until the season is over. Personally I think he may fail in Minnesota. The offense just simply doesn't need a liability like him under center. His turnovers aren't going to go away and I think Rosenfels could accomplish the bare minimum of what needs to be done by a quarterback.

After all, if we think back to last year it was the defense falling flat on its face(literally) during a Brian Westbrook screen that led to their first round exit; not the quarterback play.

The MLB Network, Baseball America's Aaron Fitt and ESPN are reporting that first overall pick Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a 4 year $15.67 million deal.

Talks between Strasburg and Washington went to the wire and many were unsure whether or not a deal would get done. The rookie is viewed as a future ace of the club and not signing him was going to be a major blow to the Nationals franchise.

This is the largest contract ever signed by a draft pick since the Cubs signed Mark Prior for $10.5 million in 2001.

2009 NFC East Predictions:

1. New York Giants:

The Giants anointed as the top team in the NFC last season ran into the magical season of the Arizona Cardinals to find themselves one step short of the Super Bowl. The Giants 5th ranked defense in 2008 carried the Burress less Giants offense through much of the season. New York's defense performed at the highest level even with the retirement of Michael Strahan and the pre-season loss of Osi Umenyiora.

With a renewed desire to make it make to the Super Bowl and the addition of Osi back on the active roster the Giants should even be more imposing this season. The offense also has a nice one two punch in (a healthy) Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw's breakaway ability poses mismatches for most opposing defenses. With the departure of Ward, he now has a more prominent role to shine.

New York's receivers remain the one area of concern, but with the defense creating a shorter field to work with and a strong running game the receivers won't need to be counted on to win too many games.

2. Philadelphia Eagles:

The Eagles recent addition of Michael Vick has little effect in elevating their status within the division other than having the most to talk about. DeSean Jackson provided Donavan McNabb with some much needed help in the passing game last season as a rookie. Philadelphia looks to strike gold again with Jeremy Maclin (1st Round Draft Pick, WR) this season.

Over the years injuries to Westbrook or McNabb or even internal rumblings between McNabb & TO have tested the resilience of the team and they've always stood tall to find a way into the playoffs.

The Eagles now have a solid back up running back in McCoy or "Bones" as we call him in our Fantasy Football League coupled with another option for McNabb to throw to and NFC teams should be on edge with the Eagles on their schedule.

The addition of Michael Vick does little for the Eagles and more for Michael Vick. It provides Vick an opportunity to prove his skills haven't eroded and that he can co-exist with teammates. Since he was brought in at the request of McNabb, there's little internal strife that could occur. They also have a veteran in reserve should the long season take its toll on McNabb.

3. Washington Redskins:

The biggest question for Redskins fans isn't who will replace Jon Jansen at right tackle or Marcus Washington at outside linebacker, but whether Jason Campbell can command the offense in the final year of his contract. Campbell has proven he can be a career NFL journeyman quarterback, but can he demonstrate the leadership necessary at his position to elevate himself into an NFL playoff caliber quarterback. Campbell appears to fall in line behind the voices of Portis, Moss, and Cooley. Jansen would have even been ranked higher until his departure.

Make no mistake about it, that Rypien led the offense in the high scoring season towards Super Bowl XXVI. The offense played for Mark to air it out and put up points to win. During the rough road to Super Bowl XXII, Doug Williams was the glue that kept the team together as the unit played for him. Even in Super Bowl XVII the offense followed Theismann's talk in the huddle to victory.

There's no question that Casey Rabach and Chris Samuels lead the offensive line with many questions remaining at guard and right tackle, but it's Campbell's ability to lead that will ultimately determine the season. The OL has much to watch in the pre-season. Dockery frequently allowed jail breaks up the middle prior to his departure in free agency to Buffalo. The Bills weren't satisfied with Dockery's performance and now he's back again for another tour and higher pay.

The same questions linger at receiver this year as they did last season. The Redskins are still looking for someone else to step up to Moss' level to help stretch the field.

Washington's defense will bear much of the burden during the season. Look for more big plays to be given up by the Redskins defense as they adjust from a more gap control scheme (knowing they couldn't get pressure from the front four) forcing opposing offenses play mistake free football and march the entire length of the field to a more aggressive style complimenting the talent of Albert Haynesworth & Brian Orakpo.

The increase in blitzes and pressure up front should help the team shorten field position and create more opportunities for the Skins offense, but also allow teams to exploit the lack of elite speed of Carlos Rogers to stay with top receivers or DeAngelo Hall's historical tendencies to bite on move allowing his receiver to streak down field.

Dallas Cowboys:

The Cowboys tried an extreme makeover this past season jettisoning all types of personalities and players from Terrell Owens to Roy Williams. Even star quarterback Tony Romo shed some extra (celebrity) weight this past offseason.

Dallas has all the pieces assembled to challenge New York in 2009, but can they put it all together? Where Philadelphia stays together under adversity, Dallas seems to fall apart. The Cowboys played well when Whitten and Jones were healthy last year. If Dallas plays well as a cohesive unit, then the NFC East can be the class of the NFC.

I will admit it; I've had some of the Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid, and I like what I taste.

Number one overall pick Matt Stafford made his NFL debut against the Atlanta Falcons Saturday and did not disappoint. Stafford went 7/14 with 114 yards, one TD and one INT. While it is by no means a perfect start, it is certainly a step in the right direction for the struggling franchise.

First off, just to let everyone know, I am from Detroit and I have been a die hard Detroit Lions fan for as long as I can remember. When most people find out I am a Lions fan they look at me like I am crazy. While I am not crazy, I won't give up on the team, especially since I stuck through an 0-16 season.

With that out of the way we can move on to Stafford.

Stafford was by no means perfect, but there weren't too many glaring problems. What people need to remember is that he is a rookie and rookies make mistakes. All things considered, his first start could have gone a lot worse. At least he didn't do his best a Kyle Orton impersonation.

An interception in the third was his biggest mistake. On third down in the third quarter, Stafford simply tried to do to much. He tried to fit the ball in a hole that didn't exist and it cost the team.

What is more important than the interception itself, is what he did after. The No. 1 pick had to take the field again immediately and led a successful touchdown drive. During the 80 yard drive he showed no hesitation, no fear and some serious arm strength.

Okay, enough with the professional writing; Stafford is something that I have been waiting for a long time. He showed composure and was a playmaker. His touchdown pass to Derrick Williams was something I haven't seen in years. Sure, Calvin Johnson has made catches in traffic, but a Detroit quarterback has not been fearless in years.

Even though I love what I see I do have a few concerns. Not to pick too much, but he does need to make some better decisions. While there weren't too many poor decisions, he did take a few too many risks. The decision making can be fixed however, and should not be too much of a concern.

I see a weapon when I look at his arm strength, accuracy and composure. One can only imagine what he will do when he comes under center in a regular season game. On top of seeing what he does in a real game, imagine what it will be like with the Lions' top receivers.

Detroit dropped a lot of passes today; it is not something to be proud of, but they also were without their top four receivers and tight end Brandon Pettigrew. I think Stafford will look much better with Calvin Johnson, aka Megatron, in at wideout.

All in all, there was good and bad. The kid made some good decisions and some not so good ones. To me, a Lions fan, I am just happy to see progress. On top of progress, it will be nice to watch a game and not worry about my quarterback stepping out of the back of the end zone.

While Detroit knows more than anyone that the preseason means nothing, we can't help but be hopeful. Along with the hope, it is nice to win for the first time in 11 months.

The Michael Vick saga is over. ESPN reports that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed Vick to a 2 year contract. Nobody seemed to see that coming. In a way, it appears that Vick and the Eagles or should I say their fans will get along. With some of the most obnoxious fans this side of Oakland, they can't possibly boo Vick, their own player? Oh wait, these fans threw snowballs at Santa Claus.

There are two questions here. One, why now? Backup QB Kevin Kolb was injured earlier in the week. It may be a defensive move to ensure that a veteran QB backs up Donovan McNabb, even if Vick has not played in 2 years. But possibly more intriguing, would they dare use him at wide receiver? There is no question that the Eagles have lacked decent receiving since Terrell Owens left. Would Vick be even a small part of the receiving game? Or run reverses, bootlegs, and other trick plays to keep teams on their toes?

I was a big Vick fan during his stint in Atlanta. I am glad he appears to have found work in the NFL again. I wish him all the luck. However, I will boo the hell out of him when Philly comes to FedEx Field to play my Redskins.

Well, not exactly. The explosion of Twitter in the world in the past year or so has caused many an athlete to Tweet. Possibly the most famous of them all is the NBA's Shaquille O'Neal who is hilarious. Other athlete's doing so are Warren Sapp, and former Terp Shawne Merriman.

However 2 of the most notorious Tweeters are Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco and Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie. The former has promised/threatened to tweet during games this season. Ochocinco has also gotten into a few online feuds with fellow NFL players. Cromartie was fined $2,500 for his tweet regarding the quality of the food at Chargers training camp.

NFL teams in the past month have issued Twitter policies to their players. In short, they all say, no tweeting during games and practices. Some are more strict and ban it from the facilities. My reaction at first was why ban it? It gives the fans more interaction with the players themselves. On further thought, I understand that teams want to protect their kingdom. Accidentally or intentionally, a player may leak play designs, pictures, and even video. But really, why not just say that? No tweeting about football operations? The LPGA earlier this year encouraged Twitter on their players. While the sport still hungers for attention, the tweeting probably can't hurt.

Oh, and I should note that you can follow The DC Sports Page on Twitter as well.

Commissioner Bud Selig may be thrust into the spotlight once more due to comments made by hall of famer Hank Aaron. Selig draws comparisons to grandpa from the TV show the "Munsters". Selig like Grandpa seems to always bungle things up. He's the grandfatherly figure you'd like to see succeed, but more often than not fails and forces a grimacing pose caught on camera time after time. Reaching from the early history of baseball, is this the commissioner of baseball that fans should want weighing in on such a critical issue as Pete Rose's re-instatement?

Pete Rose holds the MLB record for total hits at 4,256. Baseball is a game driven by statistics that help compare one generation of players to another. To hold one of the games most prestigious hitting records would almost certainly punch an automatic ticket to the hall of fame, but there are several key factors involved before Rose could come close to entering the Hall of Fame.

Removing the ban from baseball for Pete Rose and pave the way to the HOF would then clear the way for Shoeless Joe Jackson to enter the HOF, as well. And therein lies the biggest hurdle for Pete Rose. It's the images and comparison to the 1919 Black Sox that links two of the game's greatest players not in the HOF.

Pete Rose could have helped himself by acknowledging so much sooner that he bet on sports including baseball and games involving his own team. He could have become a leading figure to encourage others to seek help for gambling addiction. Rose had a chance to help others see what addiction can do to your life. Rose could have shown that similar to drugs or alcohol, gambling can ravage your life, your family & friends, and tear apart the most important things in your life. And for Pete Rose baseball was the most important part of his life. The goodwill and sympathy from helping others could have made things more difficult for MLB. Pete Rose made all his decisions himself and now lives with the consequences.

To quote then Commissioner of MLB Bart Giamatti from August 24, 1989 - "The banishment for life of Pete Rose from baseball is a sad end of a sorry episode. One of the game's greatest players has engaged in a variety of acts which have stained the game, and he must now live with the consequences of those acts. There is absolutely no deal for reinstatement."

When Pete Rose bet on baseball it conjured images of 1919. The scandal of such players knowingly and willfully throwing a game drew into question the integrity of the sport once again. The ban from baseball for Pete Rose wasn't a personal attack on the player but to ensure when a game is played that it's played fairly, legitimately, and without any question as to the outcome of the game.

Gambling especially on his own sport while in uniform raised speculation as to the outcome of games and as such similar to the 1919 Black Sox where a stiff penalty was levied by Federal Judge Landis & 1st Commissioner of MLB on the Chicago White Sox players to assure that the national past time was indeed a fair game without a pre-determined outcome. He ruled that -

"Regardless of the verdict of juries, no player who throws a ball game, no player who undertakes or promises to throw a ball game, no player who sits in confidence with a bunch of crooked ballplayers and gamblers, where the ways and means of throwing a game are discussed and does not promptly tell his club about it, will ever play professional baseball."

To allow Pete Rose back into baseball and undoubtedly the Hall of Fame would pave the way for Shoeless Joe Jackson to enter the Hall of Fame as well. It tarnishes the game to open pandora's box that's been kept closed all these long years. The integrity of the game would lose its luster when the verdict that assured fans that baseball wasn't crooked could be reversed. Pete Rose may only see the hallowed halls of legends in the Hall of Fame just like everyone else - as a fan. For his fate is forever tied to baseball's storied past of 1919. No matter where he goes in life a string of bad decisions connects and keeps him tethered to a past he can't escape.

After a surprise year from both the team and rookie Quarterback Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens have returned to McDaniel College with hopes of picking up from where they left off.

The sidelines were packed with purple and black on Tuesday as fans flocked from everywhere to get their first look at the 2009-2010 squad. While it is just football practice to some, to others it is an opportunity to evaluate draft picks and set expectations. Thus proving, that Training Camp is not just a useless formality.

Before Tuesday it was hard to get a read on how certain players were adjusting to the Ravens system, but with over a week of practice in the books it is easier to make an judgement on their progress.

Newly acquired center, Matt Birk, has one of the biggest transitions, as he moves from the NFC to the AFC. During his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings Birk primarily had to block a 4-3 defense. With his switch to the AFC he has to deal with the more difficult 3-4 defensive scheme. As the center, he has to pick up the blitz as well as block the nose tackle; he has been struggling to do that and is getting off the snap.

Perhaps the brightest part of Training Camp is the offense. Not only is Flacco picking up where he left off, but the receiving core looks solid and running back Ray Rice has emerged as a strong candidate for the starting spot. The starting running back spot looked to be the premiere position battle coming into camp; but with the hamstring injury to receiver Mark Clayton the second wideout spot might have overtaken it.

Even though the Ravens Training Staff seems to think Clayton will be back in a week or two, it is most likely a best case scenario. Looking at the rest of the depth chart Demetrius Williams pops out as the early favorite. He has made some nice plays in offensive drills but hasn't necessarily filled John Harbaugh with a ton of confidence.

What would Training Camp in Baltimore be though without defense?

There weren't many concerns about one of the NFL's top defenses heading into camp. Ray Lewis, the leader on defense, was a small one but he has yet again put himself in the spotlight. He has slimmed down and wants to increase his speed in pass coverage to help restore himself as the top linebacker in the league.

The only other defensive story line is the cornerback battle. It is no secret that cornerback pass coverage was a weak spot last year. Last year Fabian Washington, Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister were the primary corners. While fans know what they are going to get out of Rolle and Washington, Foxworth is a sort of a wild card. He has been inconsistent throughout his career and that has continued through camp.

Foxworth has not shown the awareness needed to be a top corner in the league. On Tuesday he misread pass routes and struggled to get a hand in to break up passes. While Ed Reed can be counted on for interceptions, the corners need to provide the lockdown coverage required to prevent the big play.

Even though the Ravens have several questions thus far through camp, there is no reason to be concerned. They seem to be looking to build on what they did last year and hopefully improve to Division Champions instead of a wild card team. It is a new year and the Ravens look to have big things in their future.

I'll admit, I really haven't paid attention to tennis of any sort since Michael Chang won the French Open in 1989. Yes, I knew about Federer, Nadal and Sampras. Also of course, the Williams sisters, Sharapova and other great women. But the 1989 French Open was really the last tournament I watched any significant time.

To the Legg Mason Tennis Classic it appears that there are only two players I recognize. Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt. No idea who the rest of the field is. That is a sad state of affairs for tennis. The Legg Mason has never been viewed as a "great" tournament. I recall over the years, many of the top ranked players skipped it. But there was always a "name". I believe Andre Agassi showed up to support tennis in the Nations Capitol. No offense to Roddick, but he's no Agassi and may never be.

Maybe it's just me, but over the past few days, I've heard little about the Legg Mason. Sure the Redskins and the rest of the NFL started training camp, but I recalled that local stations gave some coverage to DC's only tennis tournament. The question now is, how do you fix tennis?

The DC Sports Page is undergoing a slight re-design.

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