Daunte Culpepper looks at the "Three D's" when he thinks about competing with Matthew Stafford for the Lions' starting quarterback job: The first "D" is the debate. Culpepper has spoken to reporters twice since training camp began — on the first day and after Saturday's 27-26 victory over Atlanta in the exhibition opener.

Edwin Jackson showed Saturday night he can win without All-Star dominance. Jackson gave up two home runs among his nine hits. He left after 92 pitches, his third-lowest total of the season.

For 19 years, Pam Porteous and her volunteers have patrolled low-income neighborhoods of Pontiac, providing food, water and compassion for dogs and cats.

Brandon Inge broke a 0-0 tie in the 9th with a walk-off home run. Jarrod Washburn pitched 8 scoreless innings and Brandon Lyon collected the win after pitching a perfect 9th inning.

Philly threw Michael Vick a Milk Bone. Here's hoping he chokes on it. This only reaffirms why I ceased being a sports fan a long time ago. It wasn't worth the duplicity. There should always be a more honorable aim than winning at any cost.

One year ago, Matt Ryan was where Matthew Stafford is today. He was the first quarterback taken in the NFL draft, and he was the second QB to play in his team's exhibition opener.

In a sense, he's the new Daunte Culpepper. When he starts at quarterback today in the Lions' exhibition opener, he will be more than 30 pounds lighter than he was when he came out of semiretirement and joined the team last November.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz has ruled out only three injured players for today's exhibition opener against Atlanta: tight end Casey Fitzsimmons (ankle), cornerback Keith Smith (groin) and safety Daniel Bullocks (knee).

Tickets are now on sale for the Red Wings' HockeyFest 2009. Fans can attend the event, done in partnership with Coca-Cola and Fox Sports Detroit, on Aug. 28-29 at Joe Louis Arena. HockeyFest includes autograph sessions, memorabilia exhibits and appearances by players such as Dan Cleary, Kris Draper and Jason Williams, a former Wing who recently signed with the team.

The retailer expects to anchor the Shoppes at Gateway Park, at Eight Mile and Woodward.