By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

Just a Thought…So FAVRE Gone: He’s baaaaaack! On Wednesday the 40-year-old Viking officially announced his return to Minnesota. Shocking! In the midst of Brett’s rambling presser I found it most interesting when he uttered the words, “I owe it to the Vikings to return.” You owe the Vikes huh? What about (now backup QB) Tarvaris Jackson who mentally and physically prepared to be the QB since the start of mini-camps in the early spring? How about the now third string QB Sage Rosenfels, who’ll eventually have to change zip codes and relocate his family, while quickly familiarizing himself with a new offense. Brett, since you feel like you “owe” it to the Packers, I mean the Jets…sorry the VIKINGS to return to the game you love, I think I owe it to you to tell you why you should’ve stayed in Mississippi. Remember that cold January night at Lambeau Field when you faced the New York Giants? Well, if you remember correctly your very last pass in the Green and Yellow was to a guy wearing Blue and White, that’s right one of your many interceptions. To many it may not be the fairy tale ending you “deserve”, but since you will always be known as a gunslinger the ending would have been fitting since you overachieved with a Packers team that lacked the talent to win it all…Months later you had a tearful press conference telling us all that you were finally going to hang up your cleats after an illustrious 17-year career. That is until you felt like the Packers should have begged you to return and instead you went to the big apple to show us all you “still had it.” Your plan backfired as you threw 22 more interceptions and failed to fly the Jets to the post season. Again you looked us all in the eye during countless sit-downs and promised us all you were done. That is until Brad Childress (aka the Unabomber) flew down to your ranch to convince you to join the Vikings and lead them to the Promised Land. Okay, so maybe the Jets run was simply a tune up since you had the best (statistical) season of your career tossing 33 TDs to just 7 INTs. Again, you led your team to the NFC Title game and again your last pass thrown was to a member of the opposite team. Two out of the three seasons you took your team to the NFC Title game and both times the final pass you threw was to the eventual Super Bowl Champs. I’ve watched you continue to make a case for you becoming the official pitchman for the WAFFLE HOUSE with your indeciveness to return to the game. So I owe it to you to tell you to look at Jordan, he failed after Chicago and never even reached the post season. Lance Armstrong tried to come back this year to the Tour De France and he would have been better off taking a spin through Central Park. Then there’s Evander Holyfield, who continues to fight well into his 40s hoping to win yet another belt although he continues to get embarrassed. Holyfield was asked why he continues to fight and why its so hard for athletes such as yourself to walk away from the game, “When you’re tired of challenges, Holyfield said. “That means you’re ready to die.” In this case Brett you keep flirting with death from the game with your “kind of” retirements, but trust me this time the Football Gods won’t left you off easy so buckle up because whether or not you’re tired of challenges Father Time is undefeated and he’ll see to it that you’re finally put out of your misery.

2010 NFL Division Breakdown 

Thus far we’ve dissected the AFC & NFC North and East divisions. This week we’ll venture out West to delve into two divisions that not only work on their own time zone but also flies under everyone’s radar prior to the beginning of the season. The Chargers lost a legend in L.T. and the Cards bid farewell to another legend in Kurt Warner, but franchises feel they have reliable replacements but will that be enough to maintain there top spots in there divisions? Let’s take a look!

AFC WEST (2009 record)

1. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (13-3) For the past three seasons the Chargers have been tabbed as the “most talented team in the L”, yet for whatever reason the team continues to fall short of its Super Bowl hopes. Playing in such a sub par division the Chargers have managed to control there on fate despite often getting off to slow starts. Phillip Rivers is one of the brightest young arms in the L and he proved as much by leading the bolts to the 5^th ranked passing offense in the league, the only problem is they had one of the worst rushing offenses as well (31^st). As a result, the organization decided it was time to part ways with there aging back in LaDainian Tomlinson and draft rookie Ryan Matthews (Fresno State) to fill his shoes. After just one pre-season game Matthews proved that he was ready for his new role. The Bolts defense remains in tact with hopes of LB Shawn Merriman is somewhat healthy enough this season to continue forcing turnovers. As for Wide Receiver holdout Vincent Jackson, he will face a league suspension as a result of some off the field issues so the Chargers must maintain through the first 4 games of the season (@K.C., vs Jax, @Sea, vs Ariz). As always the Chargers are often there own worst enemy but with the big elephant out of the room now maybe the offense can pull things together and finally get it done. One things for sure barring injury they will again dominate this division. Prediction: 12-4
2. DENVER BRONCOS (8-8) At first glance the Broncos seemed primed to challenge the Bolts for the division. There “Wild Horses” offense added another dimension with the selection of All-World QB Tim Tebow! But then the unthinkable happened when LB Elvis Dumervil went down with possibly a season ending injury. Dumervil is a huge part of Denver’s defensive scheme and without his services pressuring opposing QB’s just got tougher. Oh yea, did I mention there All-World WR in Brandon Marshall took his talents to South Beach? Losing two key cogs from a non-playoff team can’t be good for the people in the Mile High City, but with an entire pre-season to adjust Denver will still be competitive. With a tough stretch between weeks 3-6 (vs Colts, @Titans, @Ravens, vs Jets) Denver needs to gallop through this stretch with at least 2 wins with hopes that they can compete for a Wild card spot. Unfortunately I can’t see that happening. Prediction: 7-9
3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-12) The Chiefs have been a team in rebuilding mode since the departure of Priest Holmes. The franchise attempted to build around Larry Johnson but the only thing he was successful in lifting was the ROC sign whenever he managed to reach the end zone. Now the Chiefs are attempting to take a page out the Patriots book with former QB Matt Cassell under center along with Charlie Weis (Off. Coord) and Romeo Crennel (Def. Coord.) the only thing is Matt is no Tom Brady and there defense lacks the likes of Rodney Harrison and Richard Seymour. The Chiefs however are doing a good job of building a team. They’ll feature RB Thomas Jones and Jamal Charles in the backfield, the Chiefs expect for WR Dwayne Bowe to finally have a breakout season. And defensively the Chiefs have an ILB with a bright future in Corey Mays and rookie safety Eric Berry (Tennessee) to build a tough unit. However, with the Chargers full of veterans and the Broncos posing a solid core the Chiefs fail to have enough pieces in place to compete for the division title or the wild card for that matter. This team will continue to gel so if they’re on your favorite teams schedule in the final 4 weeks of the season be prepared because they will be someone’s playoff spoiler. Prediction: 6-10
4. OAKLAND RAIDERS (5-11) What can I say about the RAIDUHS?? Al Davis is still running the organization and that may be the biggest issue. The organization was successful in getting rid of QB JaMarcus Russell but the problem is they replaced him with Jason Campbell. There offensive line still needs improvement and Campbell’s receivers need an instant upgrade. The bright side has always been the defensive unit but there’s only so much the unit can do when it lives on the field due to the offensive’s lack of an ability to convert third downs. The Raiders defense will continue to prove to be resistant but if Campbell can’t spark a fire under the pads of the O-Line the guys in Black and Silver will continue to be a doormat and looking black and blue! Prediction: 5-11 

 NFC EAST (2009 record)

1.     ARIZONA CARDINALS (10-6) Many “experts” have handed the division over to the Niners due to the departure of QB Kurt Warner. But with this being a QB driven league I’d like to think Matt Leinart > Alex Smith. But I digress, the Cards lost an All-Pro receiver in Anquan Boldin but the likes of Steve Breaston & Early Doucet can effectively fill the role to serve as a viable option opposite of Larry Fitzgerald. But that may be the Cards of old. Coach Whisenhunt is a product of the Steelers organization, which means a smash mouth team. The likes of Beanie Wells and Hightower will serve as a two-headed monster to keep the changes moving. On defense the Cards saw S Antrel Rolle, LB Karlos Dansby depart and their roles were filled by S Kherry Rhodes and LB Joey Porter (former Steeler). The biggest off-season acquisition of all may be LG Alan Faneca (ex-Steeler). Faneca brings veteran leadership to a unit that lacked leadership. With his presence the O-Line will improve and hopefully allow the offense to become a more balanced attack. I admit this division has been a toss up for me but the veteran laden team should be the difference. Prediction: 10-6

2.     SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (8-8) I tend to have a Love/Hate relationship with this team. I love Coach Singletary. I love the defensive unit that features Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson. As for the Hate, I hate the offense! Alex Smith is a backup, Vernon Davis is inconsistent and Michael Crabtree still has to prove himself. However I do love RB Frank Gore. The ‘Niners have a promising future and this may be the year that they reclaim the West division, however Alex Smith must step up to the plate and prove that he is a winning QB and can lead his team to the postseason. Watch this team closely because if they get off to a hot start there defense will gain confidence, which can lead to turnovers and put the offense into good field position (and Alex Smith CAN’T mess that up… can he?) Coach Singletary demands excellence out of his players and I hate to say it but I do Love that about them. Prediction: 9-7

3.     SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-11) I’ve got some good news and bad news. Good news is the vivacious Coach Pete Carroll has finally bolted USC and has taken his upbeat coaching style up to Seattle. The bad news is he’s attempting to revive a 5-win team. Offensively the Seahawks have some nice pieces in place with T.J. Hous, Deion Branch, Rookie Golden Tate (Notre Dame) and the once fallen receiver Mike Williams (USC) who’s attempting to resurrect his once promising career. The issue is at QB, Matt Hasselbeck has suffered his fair share of injuries and as a result we may be witnessing yet another Jake Delhomme situation. You know the guy who took his team to the Super Bowl and due to injury his production level drops, yet the franchise continues to have faith in Matt. The Seahawks will be a competitive team as they’ll play up for there “players coach” but when they face adversity my question is, will they turn on their “college coach?” Seattle has some of the best fans in the L with the excitement surrounding Coach Pete, Qwest Field will be a tough place to play. Give Seattle 3 seasons and they will again be a playoff contender. Prediction: 8-8

4.     ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-15) After a 1-win season the only way the Rams can go from here is UP. The Rams had the tough decision of drafting a monster at Defensive Tackle or taking the future face of the organization in QB Sam Bradford. Of course the struggling franchise decided to go with the QB option even though he’s no sure thing after being injured at the collegiate level. When it comes to talent level in St. Louis, it doesn’t quite SCREAM at you, in fact it’s simply a light whisper with the exception of RB Steven Jackson. This team is far from the greatest show on turf but like all 32 teams in training camp there’s hope for the future of the organization. Nevertheless, any amount of wins north of 1 is an improvement that is all one can shoot for. The Rams will be drafting top 5 again next season at least this time they won’t need to draft a QB. Prediction: 3-13

SPORTS VENTZ…

Ø    ’03 EXODUS: ‘Melo? July 1 the NBA world witnessed Free-Agent movement headlined by members of the class of 2003. You know LeBron, D-Wade (who didn’t move), and Chris Bosh and yes even Kirk Hinrich. Now, the 5^th member of the illustrious class in Carmelo Anthony is faced with the decision to sign an extension worth $65 Million to remain with the Nuggets or pass on the deal and risk losing money to bolt to a glamour destination like the New York Knicks. For those who don’t understand why the money can change, it’s simple next year there will be a new Labor agreement in place and therefore the amount of contracts will drop! So, either Carmelo isn’t aware of that or he really wants out of Denver. Keep in mind this situation is NOT equivalent to that of LeBron. He’s not from Denver, he’s not a 2-time MVP, and he didn’t have the best record in the NBA for the past two seasons. On the flip side both G.M.s in Denver have been relieved of their duties, Coach Karl health is in question as he battles cancer and PG Chauncey Billups is on the waiting list for “aging veterans.” As a team the Nuggets seem to be slowly falling apart and with the right to exercise Free-Agency, the movement this past July may have been enough to show the east coast product that N.Y.C wouldn’t be such a bad destination after all. Carmelo did lead Syracuse to a National Title in his lone season on campus, Amar’e Stoudemire is in place, Coach Mike D’Antoni is familiar with ‘Melo from his Team USA days and his wife (LaLa Vasquez-Anthony is a NY Native). The rumor mill is heating up surrounding the dynamic scorer and I myself would applaud the move because he’s doing everything the right way behind closed doors. Carmelo hasn’t uttered a word about his situation and he’s handling the business of basketball just as he should, behind closed doors. Something he didn’t learn from his fellow ’03 classmate LeBron James.

Ø    LeBron News… Speaking of LeBron, quotes of his were recently released from a interview he did with GQ Magazine. After his whirlwind of a summer he sat down with GQ Mag of all publications to talk about the “decision”, the “owner”, the “critic”, and the “city”. Here are some of his highlights along with my thoughts.

 i.     James on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert: “I don’t think he ever cared about LeBron…” He went on to say that Gilbert’s post-Decision letter, “made me feel more comfortable that I made the right decision.”…(Wow so you’re speaking in the third person ‘Bron? Another reason why you’ve lost fans across the nation. As for Gilbert’s letter sure he was wrong but did you really need him to act like a 5-year-old to justify your immaturity?)

ii.     James on Charles Barkley criticizing his “decision”: “Charles was probably trying to be funny. It was funny to me.”  (Wait you must have been listening to a different interview because nothing the Chuckster said sounded like a joke. I guess you won’t be doing any sit-downs with TNT huh Bron-Bron?).

iii.     James on how the Akron kid in him separates him from Cleveland: “It’s not far, but it is far. And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we were growing up, looked down on us… So we didn’t actually like Cleveland. We hated Cleveland growing up. There’s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate to this day.” (So let me get this straight the King of Akron had everyone in Cleveland eating out the palm of his hands serving as Witnesses to his greatness yet some dorky kid from the South Side of Cleveland that gave you grief during your 9^th Grade AAU days still effects your way of life? Give me a break!)

Ø    4 EVER YOUNG! I know I’m the biggest Brett Favre critic, but let’s face it the guy will turn 41-years-old October 10^th. He’s been in the NFL since 1991 and currently holds the record for the most consecutive starts (285). But to show that I don’t “hate” the guy here’s a list of the revolving door within the NFL since Favre began his career.

o      Quarterbacks: 309

o      Head Coaches: 121

o      Players:            6,464

o      New Stadiums: 21

o      Brett Favre:      1

Ø    What’s Left for Brett:   Current Total

o      500 Pass TD         497

o      10,000 Pass Att          9,811

o      70,000 Pass Yds          69,329

o      300 Straight Starts  285

Follow me on twitter: @SportsVentz

 By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.

When LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003 he was immediately crowned King. He even made a statement in his rookie debut against the (Sacramento) Kings by posting 25 points 9 assists 6 rebounds, but the Cavs lost the game. If you ask LeBron about his current 3-2 deficit one may be surprised by his easy going demeanor and the fact that it “doesn’t matter” much to him because he feels he can flip a preverbal switch at any given moment. Then again if one dives deep into his character one may not be surprised.

"If I really wanted to, James said. “If I really wanted to be the scoring [champion] every single year -- every single year -- I could really do it. But it doesn't matter."

The only problem is even if he really wanted to he couldn’t win the scoring title due to the magical season that Kevin Durant was having for the Thunder. So what else could LeBron do if he really, really wanted to? Become a true “lock down” defender, could he be humbled, play in the shadows of greats such as Michael Jordan or what about giving the city of Cleveland what they really –really want, a ring? See, the Golden Child of the NBA hasn’t quite figured out how to do what he really wants so his words have been much louder then his performance. In the Chicago series, LeBron really wanted to take on the challenge of slowing down Derrick Rose, but that didn’t work either since the younger Rose proved to be James’ thorn in the Bulls game 3 win. When LeBron was asked about taking on the challenge of slowing down Rajon Rondo his character shined through his words.

"It's something we maybe should explore because Rondo is definitely dominating this series at the point guard position, said James. “For me, I don't have a problem taking Rondo or guarding Rondo throughout the course of the game. If the coaching staff or the guys want me to do it, I will."

Oh really LeBron? Well I guess he didn’t really want to accept the challenge because in the second half, after only trailing the Celtics by 6, Rondo took off and had 16 points on 7/10 shooting with 4 assists igniting a 30 point 3rd quarter. Which eventually led to a game 5 -- 32-point victory. Many LeBron supporters will say that the kid is only 25 years old and he still has some growing to do, which may be true, but remember those same apologists crowned him King in 2003. Others will say that LeBron doesn’t have “enough help” but let’s not forget that LeBron made a Finals appearance in 2007 (many forget because they were swept) and the Cavs’ have had the best regular season record the past two seasons. So now is it GM Danny Ferry’s fault, your highness? He only made the move to bring in Mo Williams last season and when that didn’t work he signed Shaq this past off-season and made a move for Antawn Jamison at the trade deadline (and eventually brought back Big Z). Ferry has done all he could to please the King and its led to back-to-back 60+ win seasons. LeBron has received an All-Star at the point guard, forward and center position but I guess Ferry should have given him a heart to go with the acquisitions.

Now, the chatter that LeBron may have played his last game in Cleveland, as a Cavalier, has begun. ESPN insider and LeBron James confidant Chris Broussard said he wouldn’t be surprised to see James bolt for Chicago, but he couldn’t possibly play in the shadow of Michael Jordan could he? He’s currently struggling in the shadow of Larry Nance and Craig Ehlo! Then again, I’m sure he could if he really wants too but so far he hasn’t proven worthy of the crown (which may explain the changing of his number from 23 to 6). After being booed by the fans at the Q during the game 5 lost to the Celtics, its possible that it marked the end to a 7-year relationship with LeBron and his Cavs fans. If James really wanted to have the last word in the split he may have already done so.

"I spoil a lot of people with my play, the two-time MVP said. “When you have 3 bad games in a 7-year career it is easy to point that out"

Oh really just 3 bad games LeBron? He can’t possibly believe that, even if he really wanted to.

Follow Kevin on twitter: @SportsVentz

When it comes to being a "Closer" Yankees Pitcher Mariano Rivera serves as the logo. As long as the Yankees hitters provide him with a 1-point lead he knows how to take the mound as close out the game. In the NFL the closer may be in the mode of a Peyton Manning, who posses the ability to drive the ball 80yds for a score in under 2min. But when it comes to the game of basketball the term "Closer" may often be confused with the best player on the court. To garner the title "Closer" in the NBA one must be able to score from various spots, create his own shot, have the ability to finish at the basket with either hand and often the toughest of all knock down free throws under the scrutiny of 20,00 screaming fans along with a hot nickname!! Sure Michael Jordan is the ultimate measuring stick in basketball but even he created a shot for Steve Kerr & John Paxson to help win 2 of his 6 titles. Now that the hardwood has been laid here are my top 5 Closers in the NBA!

1. KOBE BRYANT, Lakers: Ask yourself who’s been craftier with a round ball in his hand over the past decade? Still thinking, well Kobe solidified his status as one of the greats when he poured in 81 points against the Raptors in January of ’06. Many feel like Kobe was putting on a gunning display when in fact his team trailed by as many as 15 in the 3^rd before the “Black Mamba” decided to take over and win the game by 18. He’s perfected the fade away, enrolled into the Olajuwon school of Post-up moves and uses all of these tools to score at will against any one (or two) of his opponents. Sure his government nickname is the “Black Mamba” but to me he will always be “Kobe Sedgwick” the Closer of the NBA. With the game on the line there’s no one else I’d rather have take a shot (even in his 14^th NBA season), if you disagree watch the tape of his 7 game winners this season and I’m sure the players defending him would say the exact same thing.

2. DWYANE WADE, Heat: 39.3 is a number that propelled Wade to #2 on my list. 39.3 isn’t the average temperature we experienced growing up in Chicago but it is what D. Wade averaged in games 3-6 in the NBA Finals (all victories. When Wade took over the series after being down 0-2 and being minutes away from trailing 0-3 was not a Flash in the wind. In fact, Wade proved that he possessed the “It” factor. The same guy who is a career 77.0% from the charity stripe guarantees to shoot 99.9% with the game on the line. D. Wade may be the most explosive Guard in the NBA and is strong enough to finish amongst the trees in the L. They say stars are made during the NBA postseason but the performance Wade put on in the 2006 Finals may have reserved his legacy in the Hall of Fame.

3. LeBRON JAMES, Cavaliers: The 2-time reigning MVP’s number 3 position may surprise many but remember this is the “Closers” list not SportsCenter Top 10 list! This past season the King averaged 7.0 ppg in the 4^th quarter, which ranked first in the NBA. When it comes to the Cavaliers everything from the prices at the concession stands to pre-game handshakes to the offense, runs through LeBron! So when it’s winning time in the 4^th everyone from the O’Jays to his O’pponents know he’s getting the rock! LeBron has the perfect mix of size, strength and speed so whenever he decides to hit the EASY button he becomes the Malcolm X of the league scoring By Any Means Necessary!

4. DIRK NOWITZKI, Mavericks: The Mavs’ star is like the Avatar of the League standing at a TRUE 7’0 he has the stroke of a better basketball instructor and his ability to make off balance shots makes it that much tougher on the opposition. He plays power forward but teams normally use a hybrid Forward, like Shawn Marion, to defend him because of their length and leaping ability. Only problem is Marion is his teammate. The Mavericks may have already been bounced from postseason play but it wasn’t because Nowitzki failed to do his part. He wakes up dropping 30 points but the reason he’s number 4 on my list because when it comes to 4^th quarter and OT there’s no one else in the league I’d rather have take big free-throws on the road than Dirk. His ability to knock them down despite the pressure of the moment often leaves the opposing fans with queasy stomachs when he approaches the line, which iss why he will always be known as the “Sick Germ”

5. PAUL PIERCE, Celtics: As I stated before there are a few things one must accomplish to be considered a closer. So here’s a test: True or False, Paul Pierce led his team to a NBA Title while outperforming the #1 closer on this list? True or False, if one allows Paul to back them down to the right elbow on the court in the final seconds he WILL knock down the clutch jump shot from his “sweet spot”? True or False, in game 3 of the First Round of the playoffs (AT Miami) Pierce managed to get the ball to the aforementioned sweet spot and knock down a game 3 back breaker to defeat #2 closer on this list? True or False, Paul has one of the hottest nicknames in the NBA? Now that’s the TRUTH. 

-By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.