Tonight's Winner: The University of Maryland

In the game between the 49ers and Cardinals tonight, if the 49ers hang on to pull this game out, the real winner will be Maryland.

I just saw Shaun Hill throw an 18-yard touchdown pass beautifully to Vernon Davis. Maryland quarterback (graduated 2002) to Maryland tight end (graduated 2006), which made me wonder: When's the last time a Maryland grad caught a touchdown pass from a fellow Maryland grad? More on that when I figure it out. 

Mike Singletary Went Too Far

Odds are you've seen Mike Singletary's rant during his post-game press conference. If for some reason you haven't, you can watch it here.

I feel hypocritical because I, like you in all likelihood, had the immediate reaction of "That's awesome!" when I first saw this video. And, in a way, I still think so. It's refreshing to hear a coach in the NFL speak his mind. All over the place, you have tumult going on in NFL locker rooms that isn't exposed.

A perfect example is the situation in Baltimore. All John Harbaugh will say is that "Chris McAlister has a bad knee." That was the reason he didn't play in a single preseason game. That was why he barely practiced during training camp. Was that why, in his first four games of the year, he absolutely shut down Chad Johnson (1 catch for 22 yards), Braylon Edwards (3 catches for 27 yards), Hines Ward (2 catches for 57 yards) and Justin Gage (0 catches), all the while getting three interceptions in that span? No. McAlister is fine, he just made Harbaugh angry because he didn't want to play in training camp. Harbaugh is doing everyone a disservice by not coming out and saying the exact reason McAlister is being disciplined. It's getting hard to ignore, as he was inactive for this past Sunday's game against the Raiders. 

All that aside, let me explain to you why what Mike Singletary did was wrong. Mike Singletary called Vernon Davis off the field after the penalty. Completely acceptable.

After Davis got to the bench - without mouthing off to his coach - Singletary went after him again. It was a stupid penalty, and Singletary wanted to let him know who was in charge. Completely acceptable.

I start to take issue with what happened next. Davis went to a new seat and Singletary went back to his business. Singletary then sought him out and rounded on him a third time, this time telling him to hit the showers. Coach your team, don't focus your energy on one player. Also, don't treat the one player like he is a kid in high school. This is a grown man, a professional athlete. Treat him with respect. 

Then, there was the press conference. How long did Singletary have that planned? It seemed like a planned speech that he delivered while on a crazy power trip. 

It's not like Davis was being a prima donna the entire game. It went unnoticed, but watch this (go to 1:00 in). Davis is actually the only 49er who cares enough to run after Josh Wilson when he makes the interception. You can distinctly see number 83, Arnaz Battle, just give up. 

Plus, learn the rules. You don't get penalized for playing with ten players. That kind of thing just irritates me. 

(Photo Credit: AP)