THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

Just A Thought…

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER…As temperatures begin to heat up across NFL Training Camps, the talk of Michael Vick showing up at one are cooling by the day. Many “experts” believe that it will take an injury or some form of desperation for an Owner, GM and Coach to agree to bring in Mike while fans simply feel he’s being black balled. No matter what one may think, it’s important for the QB to remain focused and continue working out for the all important phone call for an NFL tryout. You see whether you’re looking to be reinstated to the NFL or simply trying to get above the poverty line in the midst of the recession one can only take life’s challenges head on in hopes of obtaining one’s goal. You see everyone can make an excuse as to why they are “VICK-tims” but the one’s that continue working hard become “VICK-torious”.

NBA News & Notes  

NBA SCHEDULE RELEASED: In case you were planning your Halloween Party around NBA’s Opening Night, don’t worry this season it Tips-Off October 27^th when LeBron & Shaq (Cavaliers) host K.G. & Rasheed (Boston) the second game will feature the Champion Lakers ring ceremony and Ron Artest debut in the Purple & Gold. They’ll play host to their arena mates in the L.A. Clippers. The Clippers will have the nation’s eye when they place #1 overall pick Blake Griffin on the floor to face the likes of Gasol and Odom.

Other Notable Games: Nov. 6: Cavs' @ Knicks (LeBron’s only game in MSG)

Dec. 2: Pistons @ Bulls (Ben Gordon returns to Chicago)

Dec. 16: Raptors @ Magic (Hedo returns to Orlando)

Christmas Day Games:  Heat @ Knicks (stop laughing!)

Celtics @ Magic (Eastern Conf. Finals Preview?)

 Cavs’ @ Lakers (4 of 5 seasons Shaq vs. Kobe on Xmas)

 Clippers @ Suns (Blake & Tyler Griffin Bowl)

 Nuggets @ Blazers (‘Melo vs. B. Roy)

Super Bowl Sunday: Magic @ Celtics (HOW RUDE!!!)

All-Star Game:      Feb. 14: East vs. West (Dallas Cowboys Stadium) 

*B. ROY IS B. MILLI! Reports out of the Northwest are, Blazers guard Brandon Roy has reached a verbal agreement for a max deal (5 years). The contract is believed to be worth between $78-82M. Not only does the move help shape the future of the young Blazers but it also means Roy has signed the richest deal in franchise history! Congrats B.!!! (Can I borrow a Mill??)

*BROADWAY AUDITIONS: After failing to lure veterans Jason Kidd and Grant Hill, the Knicks have recently brought in Jason Williams (yes White Chocolate) and Jerry Stackhouse. Once again it seems as if the Knicks will make another horrible decision. One of the most dynamic scorers in Allen Iverson is at home waiting for a call but instead they bring in White Chocolate. Not sure this Broadway Production will sell many tickets with B-list players!

*DAY 37… Speaking of Iverson, it’s been 37 days since he officially became a Free Agent. Other then chatter across the web about A.I. possibly signing with the Grizzles, Clippers or Heat, it seems as if no teams are showing interest in the #16 All-Time Scorer. I know there’s a lot of time left in the off-season but I’m beginning to smell some “collusion” around the NBA. Seems like Barry Bonds part 2.

NFL News & Notes

*McNAIR TO BE HONORED… For the duration of the 2009 season, the Tennessee Titans will wear #9 decals on the back of their helmets to honor the star QB. They will be worn starting this Sunday in the Hall of Fame game when the Titans take on the Bills. McNair played for the Titans from 1995-2005. He led the franchise to their only Super Bowl berth and threw for 27,141 yards and 156 T.D.s. He also shared league MVP honors with Peyton Manning in 2003.

*ELI MANNING INKS NEW DEAL…Giants QB Eli Manning signed an extension for 6 years worth $97.5 Million. This deal makes him the highest paid signal caller in the L. Yes, even more than his Big Brother Peyton or Tom Terrific. I guess that’s what happens when you win on Super Bowl in the most scrutinized city in America.

*VICK TO PACKERS? Rumors have swirled across America’s heartland that the Green Bay Packers have an interest in Michael Vick. I find this rumor interesting seeing as though they told Brett Favre “No Thanks” last summer but would invite Mike in this year. Obviously their NFC North counterparts have gotten better in the off-season and adding Vick could make the Pack even more dangerous offensively, but I say don’t hold your breath on this rumor.

*THE BIRD FLU…Falcons Pro-Bowl receiver Roddy White has been a no-show in camp because of a contract dispute. As a result, wideouts are getting more reps in practice than usual. Second-year receiver Harry Douglas in particular was obtaining the most reps and it seemed to have backfired on the wideout. Douglas tore his ACL in Wednesday’s practice and will be out for the season. In other words, Falcons need to get White in camp ASAP!

*CLASS-LESS OF ’06…in 2006 many “experts” predicted that the NFL Draft Class would be one of the best in NFL History featuring the likes of Reggie Bush, Vince Young and Matt Leinart. All winners of a National Title and 2 of 3 being named Heisman Winners. But since their arrival they’ve done nothing to live up to the billing. Bush is injury prone and gets more press clippings in US Magazine then S.I. Magazine. As for Matt Leinart its being reported that he is currently battling for the backup QB spot in Arizona and Vince Young recently put his foot in his mouth by saying, “I’ll be the next black QB to win a Super Bowl and I’ll be in the Hall of Fame one day.” While its fine for Young to have goals one would think he’d aspire to be the next black STARTING QB in Tennessee before he can accomplish any of those things. My guess is that if these guys can’t get their act together this season they’ll all be in a different uniform entering the 2010 season.

NFL DIVISION Breakdowns: Over the next three weeks I’ll breakdown two divisions (one representing each conference). Last week we featured the AFC/NFC West division. Now we’ll take a look at a couple tough divisions in the AFC/NFC East teams key additions, brief outlook and predicted finish.

AFC East (last season record)

1. New England Patriots (11-5): Believe it or not, the Pats managed to win 11 games with Matt Cassell under center. Last year they lost Tom Brady in the first game and managed to become a more balanced team winning games the old-fashion way (playing 60 minutes). Well, Tom has returned and the Pats have retooled adding the likes of RB Fred Taylor and WR Joey Galloway. Both a bit long in the tooth but both very experienced and talented. This team is not use to early exits so they will be poised to play into February. Opponents beware! Prediction: 13-3
2. Buffalo Bills (7-9) Every season a team surprises us all (like last year’s Dolphins) and takes the L by storm. I’m not sure if the Bills will have an 11 win impact but my guess is this will be a tough team to face on Sundays. With the addition of Terrell Owens, the Bills have Lee Evans (Deep Threat), Owens (Clutch Player) and Roscoe Parrish (Playmaker) not to mention Marshawn Lynch in the backfield (Dominic Rhodes during his suspension). The biggest question mark will be their defense but if their offense clicks one can only hope things fall in place for the home of the Buffalo wings!  Prediction: 9-7
3. Miami Dolphins (11-5) Many may be shocked to see the Fins third in my division rankings, but last year they were taking lightly and this year they will have a target on their backs. The wildcat will soon become a thing of the past due to defensive coordinators having an opportunity to game plan and implement personnel to slow the once dynamic offense. At the end of the day Miami will have to come back and play smash mouth football and that will be tough for the Tuna’s. Prediction: 7-9
4. New York Jets (9-7) The talk of a QB Battle in New York means absolutely nothing to me. We all know that the ball will be handed over to rookie Mark Sanchez (a guy with 16 games worth of college experience). New Yorkers have high hopes of the next Matt Ryan in Sanchez but they will have to be patient, as he will have his rookie growing pains. Rex Ryan’s main focus will be on the defense but until he gets his proper groceries on the team he won’t be able to cook up the perfect dish of defenders. Prediction: 6-10

NFC East

1. New York Giants (12-4) The Giants are going through a lot of changes. No more Plax. But Osi Umenyiora returns to the defense. Eli signs new contract so the pressure to carry the team will rise in the coming months. They have a young core of receivers that will attempt to fill the shoes of Burress & Toomer. Obviously this will be no easy feat but they’re tough as nails defense and solid running game will allow the Giants to compete at a high level. There number of wins may drop but their spot at the top should remain. Prediction: 11-5
2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) Many “experts” say that the Eagles have one of the best teams in the L, but that’s on paper. On grass and turf many questions have yet to be answered. Like how tough will the defense be after losing its leader in D. Coord. Jim Johnson (who recently passed), emotional leader Brian Dawkins will be playing safety for the Broncos and they recently lost their middle linebacker for the season (ACL injury) and Brian Westbrook is slowly recovering from off-season knee surgery. Offensively McNabb isn’t getting any younger and although he has a crop of new weapons (DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin) they’re inexperienced. I will say this, the Eagles are going to compete in every contest and things will come together (as they always do) by seasons end. Prediction: 10-6
3. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) Not long along T.O. was shedding tears for his QB and the team was all smiles with Super Bowl hopes on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”. Now the team will be without T.O, Pacman and Tank and all the pressure will rest solely on Tony Romo and Wade Phillips. No more “team cancers” to blame the owner has moved the team into a billion dollar stadium and the fans haven’t seen their ‘Boys win a playoff game since ’96! While many see this as a chance for Dallas to win the big games now I simply see it as a rebuilding year. Prediction: 8-8
4. Washington Redskins (8-8) As usual ‘Skins owner Daniel Snyder made a splash with the free agent signing of Albert Haynesworth. This is great for the defense but the move he didn’t make may have affected the offense. That’s the pursuit of Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez. Many believed that Jason Campbell feels betrayed and rightfully so. Every time the team doesn’t win a game Campbell will be the scapegoat and before you know it he’ll check out mentally mid-season. ‘Skins fans need to brace for a rollercoaster of a season. Prediction: 7-9

III. SAY WHAT!!! (Just My Thoughts)

After Screamin’ A. Smith left ESPN in April he seems to be M.I.A. Apparently he’s made a few MSNBC appearances and has a strong interest in seeking a career in Politics. Hmmm.

Since no NBA team seems interested in signing either Stephon Marbury or Allen Iverson, how cool would it be if they both decided to play for the two best teams in Greece and put up 40 points a night! They’d get HUGE deals (which they would love), get to put up HUGE numbers (which they’d love) and their championship game could be an NBA-TV exclusive (which we’d love).

Apparently rookie WR Michael Crabtree is threatening to sit out the season and re-enter the draft if he can not get the deal he wants from the 49ers. Well the last time we saw a player miss a season of football (Mike Williams & Maurice Clarrett) neither ever made an NFL impact. Good Luck Mike!