Every team has at least one. The spirited, fearless leader that ignites and intensifies team morale whether it be in practice, during games, or just in the weight room. Taking a quick glance around the league, Baltimore Ravens' All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis comes to mind without a second thought. From his trademark stadium entrance to his passionate displays on the field, Lewis is the ultimate team player, constantly trying to elevate his teams' level of intensity to the highest degree. Lewis can do and say nearly anything he wants, and no one within the organization will question it. Why? Because he produces on the field, with no arguments to be had.
Since the start of the 49ers' training camp on July 29, second-year tight end Vernon Davis has not been shy in regards to expressing himself vocally. Throughout camp, Davis and newly-aquired linebacker Tully-Banta Cain, along with fellow second-year player, Manny Lawson have consistently been seen jawing, pushing, and shoving one another in heated practice sessions. Seemingly every time Davis makes a play, he has something to say about it to a defender.
Davis took it one step further, however, in last Saturdays' intra-squad scrimmage. After Davis was passed up in favor of reserve running back Maurice Hicks on a play near the end zone, Davis and offensive lineman Larry Allen began to confront one another once on the sidelines. Words were exchanged, and soon enough the situation was elevated to a level that required players to pull apart and separate the two offensive starters.
Sure, sometimes lighting a fire underneath a team is a good thing, keeping players motivated and energized. But when you are getting into confrontations on a regular basis with teammates, especially with players on the same side of the ball, there is a problem. Veterans understand this, while the youngster has apparently missed the memo. Fighting with teammates is bad, Vernon. But if you insist, at least don't do it in front of the fans. Oops! Looks like Davis missed that part of the discussion during NFL's Rookie Symposium last summer.
With all the recent talk of how Davis is reminding those who follow the 49ers as a reincarnation of Terrell Owens, remember something. Owens put up numbers. Ray Lewis produces year after year in Baltimore. The majority of veteran team leaders do as such, earning the respect they deserve and the role they are given. Meanwhile, Davis catches 20 balls, breaks his leg, and still thinks that he is the top dog. If anything, Davis should be careful that he doesn't end up in the dog house of head coach Mike Nolan, or even worse - get sent to the pound.
Davis has yet to play a snap in the 2007 season, so he is technically still considered a rookie by some. Don't worry Vernon, we'll have our popcorn ready. Just shut your mouth and play football.