Every year I head out to McDaniel College in Westminster, MD to the Ravens Training Camp. This year was no different... except usually I go to the afternoon session. This year I decided to mix it up a bit.

So, I get myself, my son and his football buddy up at 6am Saturday morning to get dressed and ready to take the 35 min drive. The 1st session doesn't start until 8:45, but we get there at 7:55. It's early, to say the least.

As we are pulling into the parking lot, right in front of us is this vintage looking car that was decked in Raven Purple with Ravens decals throughout the car. It was a beauty.


The middle aged guy hopped of his classic, straightened his Ravens clad outfit, and moved to the side so that people, like myself, can take pics of his awesome looking car. My son and his friend were in awe for about 3 seconds before they were ready to move to their next venture.

So as we head near the field, we are welcomed by the "Training Camp" sign... ahhhh...

I was getting excited just by seeing it. Just a reminder that football is officially on its way and my Sundays will go back to normal again.

As soon as we realize that the morning session hadn't started yet, my son (who I will affectionately call "the boy" from here, on out) and his buddy wants to head back to the Ravenstown Fan Zone, where kids can participate in the interactive games, such as the Football Skills Instruction, QB Armchair Challenge and practice kicking field goals. Needless to say, the boy and his buddy where there the ENTIRE time. Not once did they come out of that area to watch practice, at least not until the end.

So I head over and sat in the VIP section to watch the practice (shout out to Ravens Security, I love my guys!). The area is on the 50 yard line and while it's not velvet rope treatment, it's never crowded and is a sitting area for friends and family of players and staff. Of course you know I'm totally awesome and the Ravens realize that too, so they looked out for me on Saturday.

So on the field my eyes go. I watched the morning practice minus the kids. A few things I learned while watching the practice:

1. Ray Rice is gonna be a BEAST this season. He was a force the entire time during practice. I don't remember him having much of a spin move last season, but he did it a few times yesterday and I was extremely impressed by how quick and strong he is. Fantasy players, I think you will be very pleased if you pick him up in your draft. He's a gem to this team. McGahee who??

2. The long ball seemed to be the focus for all 3 QB's in yesterday's practice. It seemed like every time the deep ball was thrown, the defense was ready and the receiver was double covered. At one point, Flacco threw an INT to S Dawan Landry and seemed to be pretty pissed off at himself afterward. But Flacco did have some good passes, like a 44-yard completion to Demetrius Williams. Overall, he was just okay. Troy Smith was alright well. Both QB's made throws that would make you go, "Hmmmm...." but I'm not tripping, it's training camp. Mess up now, but when Sept. 13th gets here, it needs to be fixed.

3. The little bit I saw from newly signed rookie Michael Oher, I liked a lot. He is definitely a talent and if he gets better, then the Ravens O-Line can very well become one of the best in the league, without question. He is very elusive. I love the upside he comes with.

4. Though he had on a red mesh jersey, Ed Reed still participated in full practice. His body language did look out-of-sync to me. But then again, I have no idea what it's like playing with a nerve impingement. I just hope nothing happens to him in training camp. Y'all know how I feel about Reed. Let something happen to him and see how I react.


5. Little kids are just as excited about football than grown ups. The cutest group of young kids sat in front of us on the ground, watching practice. All were no older than 5, and they were so excited it put a smile on everyone's face. One child said, "Hi Flacco!! Go Flacco, Go!", while another child screamed, "LOOK! There's Ray Lewis!!! That's Ray-Ray!!" It was so adorable

On my way back to the Fan Zone to check on the boys, I ran into the legendary "Fan Man".

This guy is very known around the area. He is always shown on camera during Ravens games. In addition to his "face" being known, so is his Purple Bus, one that he rides and tailgates during football season.

The guy is super nice, and his ride is too cool.... or corny, depending on how you look at it.

I get the boys up and we get ready to get in the Ravens Rookies line, an area where they let children go to get players autographs, away from the adults. It's a great idea really, some of these grown folks will straight up run you over to get a souvenir signed. They go over with their items and pens and were ready to.

Overall, they were pretty pleased with their autographs. Anytime you can get Ray Lewis' autograph, it's a good day.

The boy got mad when Flacco missed him and didn't sign his helmet, but all of that was a distant memory 5 mins later when WR Mark Clayton came over and gave the boy his towel (why he would want it, is beyond me. I think it's really gross to have a stinky, sweaty towel. But he was happy so I was happy).

The boy was so ecstatic, in fact, that he tried to bring the towel with him inside Bob Evans Restaurant after we left. Ummm... excuse me... but put that sweaty azz towel down!

Overall, it was a great day. The sun was shining, the fans were cheering and, as usual, I fully enjoyed myself. I suggest every fan to go to a training camp of their favorite team, especially if you have children. It's an experience to remember. It's the most intimate way to see your favorite players for free and get autographs and up-close pics in the process.

I'm sure I'll be back next week. The boy is on a mission for that Flacco autograph.


Flacco and Co:


Matt Birk in the "other" purple uni. Welcome to Baltimore!

My sis Pigskin Loving Lady shows love to all of the female football bloggers out here. Check out what pretty lady fits your fancy in football.

MKRob gives us the details on Vick's alleged close signing with a team. Who will he be playing for? Click here to find out.

My girl Eb The Celeb gives us 2 more reasons to watch football. Guys, I have to warn you, this is major eye candy for the ladies. So click at your own risk LOL

Mind Pinball has a lot on his mind, and he deciphers his thoughts in his Random Thoughts post. Tell us what's going on in that mind of yours, buddy!

Ed The Sports Fan give us 5 players who must perform well in 2009. Ravens fans, wait til you see the player he chooses from our squad. Tell him if you agree of disagree.

Ravens Gab give us purple and black fans an off season recap. We all know this has been one hell of a bumpy off season.

I'm reeeeeaaaallllyyy trying not to hold this against her, but Steelergurl give you black and gold fans a training camp preview on what to expect for her squad this season. I still love her even though she's on "their" side LOL


Enjoy your weekend guys. I'm going to Westminster tomorrow morning for Ravens training camp. I'm looking to tell you everything you want to know... and everything you don't LOL. TTFN!

It's Wednesday and already so much has happened the last couple of days. And training camp JUST started. But in any event, I love it. I smell fresh cut grass and football in the air, and it's what I've been waiting for. Let's discuss what has happened in the last couple of days, shall we?!

R.I.P. Jim Johnson


I'll get to Favre in a second, but he can wait. I'm gonna pay my respects first to a great defensive coordinator who deserves the top spot right now. The Eagles are one of the top defenses in the league, and you can accredit that to Johnson. Johnson's health deteriorated towards the end of the 2008 season, but still managed to coach, sitting in the booth to call plays. An offensive player in college and in the NFL, he became a mastermind behind an Eagles defense that ranked 2nd in sacks from 2000-2008.

I can go on and on regarding his laundry list of accomplishments with the Eagles. But right now I want to take the time to send my condolences to the Johnson family. Any guy that can dial up 9 sacks on Big Ben in one game is okay with me! Johnson lost his battle with cancer, and he will be missed.




Favre Retired.... Finally (We Think)



So Vikings coach Brad Childress says that Favre told him he will remain retired. I'm not gonna get into detail about this. This has taken up way too much valuable NFL space anyway. I feel sorry for the dimwits who went out and bought Vikings Favre jerseys. What a waste of good money. All I'm gonna say is, I hope he stays retired because I'd hate to have to add him to the Sitcho Old Azz Down list. If he stays retired, we should dance in the street in his honor..



If he comes back, let's go egg his ATV and put sugar in the tank.

In fairness, I really started watching football because of him. So in a way, I owe him because without him, there is no me... and c'mon..... y'all know I'm awesome!



The Ocho Cinco Channel

Chad Ochocinco is a damn fool. He first came to twitter with his crazy tweets, giving tips on relationships, how he's going to "embrace" his "Mexican culture", and just tweeting back with fans. Well, now he's added The Ocho Cinco Channel on Ustream.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-ocho-cinco-show



I dunno where he has the time to do this or why he wants to... but I actually think it's kind of cool. You guys already know, I love me some Ochocinco. I know he plays for the Bungals, but he's entertaining and charismatic as hell. He seems like a down-to-earth dude, and that's hard to find nowadays. I'm sure he'll give me tons of blogging material, especially when he plays my Ravens. So I'm sure I'll tune in.


The Sitchoazz Down Award For The Week Goes To.....

All of you who think Vick should go to the Vikings. With Favre finally retiring, it does leaves a lot of questions at the QB position for Brad Childress and the Vikes. But that doesn't mean Vick should be next in line.

Let me tell you why. While we all know that Jackson is on thin ice in Minnesota, the have 2 other QBs on their roster already. Sage Rosenfels (who they just signed this offseason) and John David Booty (who they drafted in 2008). More than 3 QBs on a roster is almost unheard of. So who do you let go to bring in Vick, a player who's been out of the league for 2 years???

Also, let's set the record straight here. Favre is Favre. He hold just about every record possible for a QB to have right now. He's one of the greatest QB's to play this game. And when Favre became a free agent, it made perfect sense to go to the Vikings. He was still bitter and wanted revenge on Green Bay, and the Vikings feel like they are only a QB away from going to the Super Bowl. So the possible union made sense.

Vick is Adrien Peterson with an arm. Vick is not Favre. Let me repeat that. VICK... IS NOT... FAVRE!!!!

Okay, so now that we have that squared away, Vick is not what the Vikes are looking for. They are looking for a championship caliber QB that can possibly make game changing plays. They aren't looking to bring in a player that needs to knock the rust off and possibly take them back a step. If Vick goes to the Vikings, I'd be very surprised. But I don't see it happening. Vick is a great talent but he is not Favre... sorry

Happy Day! Training Camps are starting to get in full swing. And with the start of training camps coming part 1b. of America's Favorite Pastime: Fantasy Football.

I've decided to bring in one of my fave fantasy guys to give us his analysis on who to get for this upcoming fantasy season.

Allow me to re-introduce himself, his name Hize!





Okay... corny, I know.. but I love that Jay-Z line lol!

Anyways. Let me introduce you guys to J-Hize, the Fantasy Guy. Now, I'm sure you hear folks say all the time, they are fantasy experts, blah blah yadda wonk wonk. But Mr. Hize has a pretty impressive resume.

J. Hize is a long-time fantasy football competitor, and a real-life Washington Redskins fan (don't worry y'all... I'm working on converting him to purple and black, so don't hold this against him!). He participates in 4 leagues each year through CBS Sportsline and ESPN. His big-money league recently held its draft at the Palms in Las Vegas. He has 5 championships to show for his fantasy skills, along with a few playoff heartbreaks. Ultimately, fantasy football comes down to pure luck, but it's helpful to get advice from a guy who knows how to draft and manage a championship caliber team year in and year out. Pretty impressive, don't you agree?!

I'll be having J. Hize back with any fantasy tips throughout the season. So with without further ado, let's take a look at his 2009 projections:

Quarterbacks

Top Earner: Drew Brees, Saints. All the pieces are in place for Brees to have another monster year. Plus, with Pierre Thomas emerging as a touchdown back, Reggie can go back to being the home run receiver that he should be. It will take a first round pick to land Brees, but you’ll have fun watching him punish secondaries all year long.

Breakout Player: Matt Schaub, Texans. Health is a wonderful thing. So is having Andre Johnson on your team. Schaub was the hottest QB at the end of last season, and I expect him to pick up where he left off. His offensive weapons (Johnson, Walter, Slaton, and Daniels) are top-notch, so the foundation is set for a career year. Of the five available quarterbacks named Matt on draft day, Schaub should be your first choice.

Draft Sleeper: David Garrard, Jags. I recognize that drafting Garrard is as sexy as Susan Boyle in body paint, but there is some serious low-end value here. Not only will Maurice Jones-Drew stretch the field, but Torry Holt is a huge upgrade from anything Garrard had in the past. Plus, Garrard is accurate and durable which you can’t say about most fantasy shot callers.

Bumsauce: Matt Cassel, Chiefs. I really wanted to put Crybaby Cutler in this spot, but it’s hard to fathom how Cassel got paid those Brady bucks for one good season of relief pitching. Knowing that the KC offense is not exactly a replica of the Patriots, I just can’t see Dwayne Bowe, Bobby Engram and Mark Bradley putting up Moss and Welker numbers. Maybe I’m just a Tyler Thigpen loyalist, but I don’t ever see Cassel making good on that contract.

Running Backs

Top Earner: Michael Turner, Falcons. Sure, Adrian Peterson is going #1 in most drafts, but the Burner is the running back to own. Unlike Peterson, Turner is in an offense loaded with weapons at QB, WR and TE. He’s a consistent red-zone monster, so I expect him to at least repeat his 17 TD’s from a year ago.

Breakout Player: Pierre Thomas, Saints. You get Brandon Jacobs-like numbers at a lower draft pick. Lucky Pierre filled in for Reggie Bush and scored 12 touchdowns in ’08. He’s in a contract year and playing for a ridiculous offense. What’s not to like?

Draft Sleeper: Donald Brown, Colts. When the Colts grabbed the former UConn Huskie in the draft, it just felt like the stars aligned. Brown seems like the perfect fit to take over the reins from oft-injured Joseph Addai and be the new face of the Colts running game.

Bumsauce: Ronnie Brown, Dolphins. It’s impressive how sharp Brown was last year after returning from ACL surgery, but he really stumbled down the stretch. His numbers are also a bit inflated due to one insane 5 TD game. He’s being drafted as a #2 RB, but with Ricky Williams and Pat White lurking on the sidelines, I just don’t see a repeat for the Brown in the “Wildcat” formation.

Wide Receivers

Top Earner: Randy Moss, Patriots. While Tom Brady was off marrying a supermodel and making another baby, Randy waited patiently for his QB to get back on the field. The time has come for Tom and Randy to reunite and feel so good. Even though Larry Fitzgerald was playing on another planet last year, don’t be surprised to see Randy recapture the magic of 2007 to the tune of 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Breakout Player: Mark Clayton, Ravens. Joe Flacco found a love connection with Clayton last year to the tune of 41 catches for 695 yards. With Derrick Mason retired (for now), it’s Clayton that’s expected to be the top guy in ’09. Flacco is only going to get better, and Clayton happens to be in a contract year. Draft him in the middle to late rounds and expect to get a bargain performer.

Draft Sleeper: Percy Harvin, Vikings. Percy already has three strikes against him in the NFL. 1) He’s a rookie, 2) He’s from Florida, and 3) His name is Percy. With all that in mind, I still think Mr. Harvin will perform in his first year. His QB will likely be Tavaris Jackson (just making sure you’re awake). “Back and Forth Brett” has always gotten the most out of his speedy downfield targets and with Berrian getting double-teamed, I expect Harvin to take advantage. Draft him as a #4 WR, but don’t be surprised if he becomes a weekly starter.

Bumsauce: Antonio Bryant, Bucs. A.B. will get drafted as a #2 WR based on his 83 catch, 1,248 yard season last year. However, don’t let his ’08 campaign make you lose sight of the underwhelming six seasons that came before. Plus, he has to deal with QB musical chairs all year with Leftwich, McCown and Freeman. Wait another round and take Lee Evans or Eddie Royal.

Tight Ends

Top Earner: Jason Witten, Cowboys. Now that the T.O. vs. Romo & Witten lover’s quarrel is over, J-Dub should be in line for a huge season. He only stands to improve on his 81 catches from last season, with a healthy Romo in the pocket. Let’s just hope Witten isn’t preparing for a VH1 reality show anytime soon.

Breakout Player: John Carlson, Seahawks. Don’t expect any nacho-tossing fanfare when you draft him in the middle to late rounds, but you should expect solid numbers. His rookie season resulted in 627 yards and 5 touchdowns, and now he gets a healthy Matt Hasselbeck to go along with Houshmandzadeh, Branch and Burleson. Expect a lot of red-zone attention for the 6’5” target.

Draft Sleeper: Brandon Pettigrew, Lions. The only thing rookie quarterbacks like more than inflated signing bonuses, is a pass-catching tight end. Matthew Stafford gets a good one in Pettigrew. While Calvin Johnson is getting quadruple teamed, expect Pettigrew to get some consistent short-yardage and red-zone looks.

Bumsauce: Kellen Winslow, Jr., Bucs. Color me skeptical. Fantasy owners will reach for him in the 5^th or 6^th round, but I think his health and attitude issues will overshadow his on-field production. He got the richest contract extension for a TE in NFL history, but there’s at least 10 other tight ends I would take before grabbing the Soldier.

Kickers & Defenses

Where are the Kickers and Defenses? If I can offer any advice for your draft day, it’s that you don’t draft a kicker and defense until your last two picks. When your competition takes the Steelers with an 8^th round pick, just kick back and wait for the Dolphins, Panthers or Chargers. When the “Gost-kow-ski” chants begin in the second to last round, just remember that kickers flip-flop more than Brett Favre’s mind. Connor Barth or Steven Hauschka could just as easily finish as the top kicker in ’09. Was that the first Steven Hauschka fantasy football reference EVER?

What a huge difference 24 hours makes.

Yesterday around this time, I was ready to join the T.O. Renegade to support the reinstatement of former Falcons QB Michael Vick. I was down for the cause, let Vick play. He's paid his debt to society and should be able to start anew!!

Fast forward to today. Commissioner Goodell announced that Vick will be partially reinstated, allowing him to practice and play preseason games with a team and could be fully reinstated as soon as Week 6. Great news, right?! Apparently not according to twitter.

Once word got out, the tweets rolled in and Vick became the #2 trending topic within minutes. Folks were saying a lot of different things. Some good, some bad. But the comments that stuck out to me the most were the ones that folks thought that was still too harsh of a punishment for a player who paid his debt to society.

Really now?!



Now that may or may not be true, but crying and complaining about his partial reinstatement should be the last thing on your mind. I hope some of you lobby for a raise the same way you lobbied over Vick's reinstatement.

For those that are upset at Goodell, let me give you the logical reasons why some of you need to sitchoazz down (I'm sorry, but some of y'all need it LOL). and be okay with Goodell's decision:

1. He Needs To Find A Team First

As of right now, Vick won't be playing at all... because he's not signed on to any one's roster right now. If Vick had a team by now, then maybe I can understand the big issue of getting him back on the field. But no one has beaten down Vick's door to have him as the QB of their team right now. First things first, he needs to find a home and ASAP. Without it, the rants are pointless. Right now he's unemployed. You must crawl before you walk, young grasshoppers.


2. He Wasn't Gonna Start Right Away Anyway

I don't know if you've heard, but Michael Vick was in jail for almost 2 years [/sarcasm]. While I'm sure that gave Vick plenty of time and opportunity to stay in shape, it's not the same workout as being on an NFL roster. No matter if he was signed today or when he was finally released, the reality is he may not even be ready to play until at least Week 6. NFL conditioning is not what he was receiving behind bars. Let him learn a playbook and get healthy enough to play and be effective against defenses. Throwing him back out on the field with just his natural instinct is almost unfair.


3. Once He Signs To A Team, He'll Be Paid To Sit

This is my main reason why I'm not crying for Vick. I'm all about people getting their money, so yesterday I was all for Vick getting back in. In my mind, once Vick played, he would get a paycheck and be able to live his life. But once word got out that, even though he wouldn't play until Week 6 he can still get paid during that span, I wiped my tears away for Vick. He's living it up right now. Think about it: He will have six extra weeks to learn the offense, get in good football shape and still earn a paycheck. Sounds like short term disability to me. Hell, who doesn't like to get paid and do nothing in the process? If you said you don't, seek help now!


4. I Gain Nothing From Him Coming Back

Okay this is extremely selfish of me. But hell, let's be real... Other than watching him play on the field, what do I get out of voicing my opinion?? I don't know Vick, never met him, never seen him person, nothing. So what do I get out of the deal, other than being an unimportant voice?? Do I get a thank you card, a tax credit or a reparation check for speaking out?

Welp, doesn't really matter to me either way, then. Besides, Vick will go back to being rich and I'll continue being regular.

Now, I have my own opinions on Vick's punishment on his federal charges. but that's another story for another day. I will say that Vick is extremely lucky to be able to play football in the NFL again. I'm sure we all know or know of a former convict and the reality is, regular Joe's don't get anywhere near the opportunity that Vick was given. He's been given a second chance and if that's not a blessing, I don't know what is.

As for folks spewing venom towards Goodell for his ruling, I think he has a big bullseye on his back and no matter what decision he makes, he would have to deal with scrutiny ( there are fans threatening to boycott the NFL because of Vick's upcoming return). But some folks are taking it too far. Goodell's a hard ass, sure. But I've even seen the word "racist" get thrown out there which, to me, is kind of comical. Ask Brandon Marshall, an alleged woman beater who had his suspension reduced, if Goodell is a racist.

Folks, don't cry for Vick.... trust me, he'll be just fine.

Dear Ozzie,

Let me start by saying I'm one of your biggest supporters. When the Ravens needed a WR in free agency and/or the draft and we didn't get one, I told naysayers, "Don't worry... In Ozzie We Trust". In my mind, you are one of the top GMs in the league and there is a reason you've been nicknamed, "The Wizard Of Oz". You make a way out of no way, that's what you've been able to do. From re-signing Ray and Suggs, to replacing Adalius Thomas and still being dominant... you've always known how to build a team.

Then the bomb dropped. Drew Bennett, a player that you had just signed less than a week ago, veered off of 1 Winning Drive and took the Derrick Mason Highway and retired from football. The reason? An old knee injury that resurfaced.

I dunno when there was ever a time to hit the panic button.. but dammit now is the time!



What the hell?!

Last season this team went to the AFC Championship with an average WR corp. This season, Ravens fans were expecting to return there, and possibly make a serious Super Bowl run, if only they added a talented WR. Now, I will say that I liked the Kelley Washington signing. I do think he'll be a diamond in the rough for us. But c'mon Oz... you and I both know this is not enough.

We know that you contacted Arizona about a price tag for Boldin. And one would at least THINK you sniffed around on the Brandon Marshall ordeal. Even though that guy has tons of baggage, no one can deny his talent. But nothing came out of either situation. Nada. Zero. Zilch.

Then there's the available WRs left on the market. Picking through the list of WRs at this point is like ordering crabs at the final hour before they close. Nothing! Epic.... Fregging... FAIL!



Ozzie... please.... My family are season ticket holders. And we want to be happy. We want happy times in Baltimore. The Orioles can't do it so we rely on YOU for to stay competitive. We want Flacco to throw TD's, not running for them, looking like a bobble head doll.


We love purple and black and we support you and the organization through thick and thin. But dude.. the patience is thinning like Homer Simpson's hair....

Do you have Plaxico's attorney's number??? Is Joe Horn on speed dial?? Can you see what Marvin is doing??? Hell I'll even take Ashlie Lelie if he's healthy. But dammit if Mason is really going to retire, you have to fix this... not tomorrow or next year or in 2 years... but NOW!!! This is stressing me out... I'm about to resort into tears Ozzie... Tears!!! Lawd help me I dunno if I can take anymore disappointments

No pressure, mmkay?! Just saying... I'm an anxious fan who's ready to add a playmate to that Lombardi trophy. It called me and said it was lonely. See what you can do.

Sincerely,


A Pissed Off NFL Chick

My blog sistah from another motha, PigskinLovingLady tell us how Colts DE Dwight Freeney was named, "2009 Do Right Man" by Essence magazine.

MKRob gives us insight on the new NFL Draft schedule, starting in 2010. I don't care much for it. But check it out and see if you like the new timeline.

For my Ravens fans, Ravens Gab gives us their take on Six Ravens To Watch for 2009.

Mindpinball takes a trip down memory lane for the city of Baltimore? Remember the CFL Baltimore Stallions??? I do... he reminds us the hope the team gave the city yearning for a football team.

If you love college football, you'll love this one. Ed The Sports Fan tells how QB's Tom Teobow, Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford look to finish what they started in 2008- dominating college football and chasing the Heisman Trophy.

Rumors swirled this week regarding Michael Vick allegedly seen at a strip club with Allen Iverson, right before Vick was to meet with Commissioner Goodell. While Vick's agent has said the allegations are totally false, BlackSportsOnline tells us why strip clubs should be the last place Vick should be seen in.

Happy Friday fam! Got some good blogs coming next week. Let the training camps begin!!!!!