WP: Fan Appreciation Day Is a Big Hit

[Kyle]

Fan Appreciation Day Is a Big Hit

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15346-2003Aug2.html

By Nunyo Demasio

Washington Post Staff Writer

Sunday, August 3, 2003; Page E10

The Washington Redskins waited until Fan Appreciation Day yesterday to hold their first scrimmage. And the special occasion drew the largest turnout of training camp, with about 9,000 spectators throughout the day. After the morning session, the fans watched performances by the team's cheerleaders and marching band.

The scrimmage -- with the defense wearing burgundy jerseys and the offense in white -- was held in the afternoon practice. And it wasn't long before fans saw the difference from 11-on-11 drills. With running back Robert Gillespie heading out of bounds, defensive end Peppi Zellner delivered a jarring blow that drew cheers from spectators and high-fives from defensive teammates. Kick returner Chad Morton showed why he's being considered at tailback, using blazing speed on a draw play that culminated with a 55-yard touchdown. On the third play of the scrimmage, quarterback Patrick Ramsey was intercepted by safety Matt Bowen.

Nonetheless, Ramsey followed his worst performance of training camp with his best. In yesterday's morning session, Ramsey was sharp and in sync, a stark contrast to Friday, when he reverted to rookie habits. Ramsey even showed his improved footwork on a crowd-pleasing play near the goal line. With receivers covered, Ramsey scrambled down the right sideline for a five-yard touchdown.

Fans have attended camp by bringing a free invitation. It's a drastic change from the last time the Redskins held camp here in 2000, when adult spectators were charged $10 plus $10 for parking. The Redskins are one of 13 teams that conduct training camp at their regular facilities.

Arrington, the Crowd-Pleaser

After sitting out Friday's practices because of a mild concussion, linebacker LaVar Arrington was back in action yesterday. On and off the field.

Arrington is the most popular Redskin, and appears poised to assume Darrell Green's title of Mr. Redskin. Case in point: After the morning practice, Arrington headed toward the locker room near fans who were cordoned off. As soon as Arrington was spotted, fans clamored for his autograph. Arrington teasingly kept walking as the screams increased.

Then Arrington put right hand to right ear, suggesting that the loudest segment would win his presence. The noise crescendoed. Arrington raised his arms skyward to express satisfaction.

After signing autographs for the loudest fans, the linebacker headed for the locker room. But other screaming fans wanted more, so after taking a few steps, Arrington returned. When he finally left, the crowd chanted "MVP! MVP! MVP!"

Minutes afterward, Ramsey took the same route. Fans yelled for his attention, but the reduced clamor crystallized Arrington's popularity.

Mitchell's the One

Team officials said that linebacker Kevin Mitchell -- not cornerback Fred Smoot, as some Redskins players had indicated -- experienced symptoms of heat illness in the shower after a practice last week, but did not collapse. Mitchell and Smoot were among the handful of Redskins players to miss practice time in this camp because of heat-related symptoms, but club officials say they have not regarded any of the cases as particularly serious. . . .

When a recent article in The Post reported that Darnerien McCants, the quiet reserve wideout, was dating actress Vivica A. Fox, it spurred skepticism among Redskins players. But there are no longer doubters after this week's Jet magazine. It contains a full-page photo of McCants, 24, with his hands around the 37-year-old Fox. The smiling couple was attending the ESPYs awards show in Los Angeles. "God bless him," tackle Chris Samuels, shaking his head, said yesterday. "That man hit the lottery." . . .

The offensive line is the team's most revamped area. But in the first week of training camp, the maligned defensive line pushed around its counterparts. "In football, the defense is going to start ahead of the offense," Samuels said. "The only thing they have to do is read and react." . . .

The Redskins released their 2003 media guide yesterday. Ramsey -- right arm ****ed for a pass -- shares the cover with FedEx Field and a few local landmarks.