A Rose by Any Other Number

When two players on the same team have the same last name, why does the team add the first initial to the jersey? Isn't that what the number is for, to tell the players apart?

Falcons ask Ryan to rub Vicks away

The Falcons made Matt Ryan their starting QB this year. Ryan will make his debut against the Detroit Lions a week from Sunday. Ryan is a local product. He hails from Exton, Pa., not far from the world headquarters of Wearing the Rally Cap. So naturally, we’re keeping an eye on him.

Of course, competing against the likes of Joey Harrington, Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley, makes it that much easier for the third overall pick to earn the starting spot. But that's nitpicking.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution has more. . . .

Why Wear a Rally Cap?

Because in sports, hope springs eternal.

Because sport gives every person, regardless of shape, size, income or actual hand-eye coordination, proof positive that they could have hit that cutter, scored from the 1, or drained that three.

Sport confirms upon every fan the firm knowledge that, despite a complete lack of experience, insight, planning or preparation, they could have drafted better, called the right pass play, pulled the goalie at the right time, or chosen a pinch hitter that would actually hit.

Most importantly, the Rally Cap empowers every fan with the right to ridicule rival teams and players, regardless of game results, current standings, or droughts between championships.

So go ahead, flip your cap inside out, turn it around, and tell that guy he's a bum.