The Steelers are announcing their 2nd annual 'Men's Fantasy Football Camp Weekend' set for this summer. Here's the sales pitch, straight off the website:
"Guys, you have been drafted! It is time to get off the couch and on to the playing field for an experience of a lifetime"Before you rush to sign up, be sure to first read the following disclaimer (it's at the top of the page):
"Be sure to print and complete the registration form at the bottom of this page and also print and complete the MEDICAL WAIVER."Right. Now I remember why I enjoy sitting on my couch watching football on television. This is one of those situations that sounds great at one in the morning over a few too many beers, but once you're on the field in your new 'uniform' you start to get second thoughts. Your fears are confirmed when you're doing blocking drills across from Butterbean. Actually, I'm sure it's not that bad, and in fact, there are some photos posted from last years camp--and their pretty funny.
How many bad decisions can one team make?
Maybe Joe Gibbs and Daniel Snyder know something the rest of us don't. Is it just me or are the Redskins seemingly the most impulsive team in football. They've just signed Clinton Portis to a $50.5 million contract (including a $17m signing bonus) making him the highest paid back in the league. They gave up Champ Bailey, one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and a second round draft pick. Since when does a team give up a top five cornerback and a 2nd round pick, for arguably one of the top five running backs in the league when the upcoming draft is full of quality runners?
I guess the answer to that question is, right after the new ol' ball coach comes out of retirement, promptly demotes the 2nd year, star quarterback-in-the-making, to trade for an over-the-hill, oft-injured Mark Brunell--just to say he now has a veteran quarterback. Note to Joe Gibbs: There could be more good news--Vinny Testaverde is retiring and will soon be availabe to replace Brunell as the veteran, veteran quarterback.
Here's an idea if you're in the Washington front office--keep Champ Bailey, trade down in the first round (they currently have the 5th pick), draft either RBs Kevin Jones or Steven Jackson and the second round pick is still yours. Don't get Brunell and start Patrick Ramsey, and the third round pick is still yours. As it stands, the Redskins now have two picks in the upcoming draft. That's a great way to rebuild a team that won five games last season.
Buy hey, what do I know--maybe Gibbs has a few more tricks up his sleeve--I hear Mark Rypien might be available by minicamp.
