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THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY
By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.
Just A Thought…
MOTIVATION…Ever felt like you've done your best and wasn't properly rewarded? Ever stop to think, "what else could I do to get noticed? Ever felt dejected? Ever get frustrated and lose sight of your goals? Ever fall victim to "politics" of a particular culture? Ever felt overlooked? Ever been doubted? Ever felt like no one respected you? Ever thought, what is it that your counterpart may be doing that you're not, to succeed? Ever got sick and tired of being sick and tired? Ever wanted to prove all your doubters wrong so badly that you couldn't sleep at night? Are you ever satisfied? Ever been eager to become the Best and what you do?? So did Michael Jordan, and you see where all that got him...in your everyday walk of life whenever you face adversity use it as a stepping stone and not stumbling block...Whether its school, work or athletics if you work hard enough you too can fly high like his Airness! From now on don’t think…Just Do It!
NBA News & Notes
*Amare Stoudemire on 2010 Free Agency: “Just gonna weigh the options out and see how it goes. I think this is definitely a very important year not only for myself, but for the team as well. If we’re making strides and making the playoffs, which we are, and we’re getting better, than it’s only right to hang around. “ …In other words when they fall short of the playoffs let the free-agency games begin!
NFL News & Notes
*Madden Curse? Before opening night could conclude the “Madden Curse” seem to strike again! The Steelers All-Pro Safety, Troy Polamalu, seem to pull off the play of the week with his one handed (left at that) interception but he eventually would leave the game with a sprain MCL. Fortunately for Steelers fans he’ll only be out for 3-6 weeks and not much longer.
*IN HIBERNATION: The Chicago Bears opened its regular season on Sunday Night in Lambeau Field against its rivals. While bad blood and hard hits is to be expected in a match-up of this magnitude the Bears would lose the heart and soul of its defense in
Brian Urlacher. The Middle LB dislocated his right wrist and was eventually placed on Injured Reserve (so he will miss the entire season). What you want see on the injury report is Bears QB Jay Cutler who is reported to have a “bruised ego” after tossing 4 Interceptions…
*EAGLES LANDING? As for the Philadelphia Eagles they lost their leader in QB Donovan McNabb to a fractured rib after scoring a rushing TD. The Eagles however signed veteran Jeff Garcia and activated Michael Vick so regardless as to how long McNabb will sit they have plenty of guys to fill the void under center.
*POWDER BLUE(S)? There was some question as to why LaDanian Tomlinson was on the sideline for most of the fourth quarter and mainly on the final scoring drive. Rumors swirled that it was signs that the team was moving in the “Sproles” direction but that couldn’t be further from the truth. L.T. was sidelined for a sprained ankle and apparently the ESPN sideline crew didn’t pick that up because Mike Golic and Steve Young were too busy trying to prove who had more “NFL Knowledge” in the booth!
NFL: PICK 6! WEEK 2 Predictions: Week 1 I finished with a 4-2 record. I was snubbed by a late Steelers rally and Cutler’s 4 INTs. This week will be a bit tougher but I’m sure we can tackle the competition!
1. (0-1) PANTHERS @ (1-0) FALCONS- The only QB to play worse than Jay Cutler in week 1 was Panthers QB Jake Delhomme. Jake threw 5 picks and had a fumble that was returned for a TD. That’s 9 picks in the last two games that he’s played which means mentally he’s trying to make all things better in his very next throw! If Coach Fox can’t establish the run in the Georgia Dome this will be another long Sunday for Carolina. The Falcons seem to click at every facet of the game against the ‘Fins. New acquisition TE Tony Gonzalez seems to be right at home with the rejuvenated “dirty birds”. Last season NFC South teams all failed to win a game on the road in the division. The way things are looking for both teams I find it hard to believe things will change this week. Prediction: Falcons by 4
2. (1-0) PATRIOTS @ (1-0) JETS- Question? Which is easier to believe, a struggling PATS “O” with Brady, Moss & Welker or a dominating JETS team led by rookie QB Mark Sanchez? Still puzzled? Don’t worry because this Sunday things will go back to normal. While the Patriots looked a bit rusty on offense and was exposed defensively one has to believe that a week of preparation and game film will allow the Brady Bunch to get their timing down. As for the J-E-T-S, they seem to have most of their attention focused on saving face for their new head coach Rex Ryan. Ryan has stated that he’s not interested in kissing Bill Belichick’s rings, blah blah blah, but no one ever said he had too. The fact of the matter is he’s doing all he can to protect his young QB by thrusting himself in the spotlight to avoid Sanchez for handling the NY Media for a few days. That’s all fine and dandy but the game must go on when things kick off at the Meadowlands. And when the Patriots begin to light up the score board the only thing the Jets can do to respond is passing the ball, this could spell disaster for the rook Prediction: Patriots by 10
3. (1-0) SAINTS @ (1-0) EAGLES- In week 1 it seemed as if Drew Brees completed a pass to everyone but himself and Chris Paul! Brees’ 6 TD performance made fantasy owners rejoice across the nation however this is reality! The reality is that the Saints will travel to a hostile Eagles stadium and welcomed by a defense that will pressure Brees by any means necessary. With the health of McNabb in question Philly will give the Saints various looks to keep their defense on their heels and on the field. The key to this game will be time of possession. If the Eagles can keep this stat in their favor they should succeed in bringing Brees out of the video game world and back to the turf. This is a tough game to call but someone has to win, why not be the…Prediction: Eagles by 1
4. (0-1) CARDINALS @ (0-1) JAGUARS: The Cardinals fell short against their NFC West foe 49ers. They travel to Jacksonville to play another 0-1 team looking to get there first win of the season. The Cards seem to be rusty on offense and the Jags seem to not have much of an offense at all. The team that can get their passing attack going will have the better opportunity at getting the W. With that said I’m willing to place my Mac on Larry Fitzgerald & Anquan Boldin. Prediction: Cardinals by 7
5. (1-0) GIANTS @ (1-0) COWBOYS: Prediction: The tough NFC East is back at it again! The Giants & Cowboys both looked pretty impressive in week 1 and the winner of this match-up would have a great head start on the division race. The Giants are fresh off defeating the ‘Skins and the Cowboys simple demolished Tampa. So which was more impressive? I’d have to say…the Giants. The biggest reason is the health of Osi Umenyiora. Not only did Osi play with his usual high motor for 60 minutes but he managed to sack, strip and recover a ball for a TD that had him back to his ’07 form. The Cowboys on the other hand had a 5th pre-season game of some sorts as they dominated a young rebuilding Bucs squad. Nevertheless Tony Romo seems to mesh well with his revamped receiving corps (mainly Roy Williams). But now things are different. The two NFC East titans will meet in the new Texas Stadium in front of 100K fans eager to see the ‘Boys return to prominence. The Giants defense seems to be fast and strong as usual and their RB tandem of Jacobs & Bradshaw are powerful and speedy. As for the Cowboys they won’t be considered a contender until they can pick apart this Giants “D”. Unfortunately that’s easier said than done. Look for Eli Manning to earn his new contract this week guiding those young receivers up and down the field. Prediction: Giants by 7
6. (1-0) RAVENS @ (1-0) CHARGERS: Just when we all (well not me) wanted to label Joe Flacco a “fluke” he turned in his first 300-yard passing game of his career to begin the ’09 season. As for the Chargers just when many experts (including myself) wanted to “Crown ‘em” (Dennis Green voice) they nearly laid an egg on Monday Night against the Raiders! L.T. is hurt (again) and Merriman seems to be still dragging that repaired knee. So the Ravens are a sure-fire pick, right? Not quite. The Ravens will take their unpredictable offense across country and face a Chargers team that still has a lot to prove after being manhandled at the line of scrimmage versus the (gulp) Rai-duhs. This will definitely be a hard-hitting game and not many points will be scored. The key to victory in this game will be special teams and field position. If I had to choose one I’d definitely go with Darren Sproles & Co. for the Chargers. It seems like no matter what Sproles will find a hole. This game may be low scoring but emotions will run high and look for QB Phillip Rivers to go all Phillip Riiiiivers (LL Cool J Voice) on the Ravens to win on by a field goal! Prediction: Chargers by 3
NFL: QUICK PICKS (For the Office Pool Players!)
**SURE FIRE PICKS**
VIKINGS OVER LIONS
PACKERS OVER BENGALS
TITANS OVER TEXANS
COLTS OVER DOLPHINS
**EVEN STEVENS**
CHIEFS OVER RAIDERS
REDSKINS OVER RAMS
BILLS OVER BUCCANEERS
BROWNS OVER BRONCOS
SEAHAWKS OVER NINERS
**UPSET SPECIAL**
BEARS OVER STEELERS
III. SAY WHAT!!! (Tweets of the Week)
@ shawnemerrimanI just got my first sack with myself on madden LightsOut dance is crazy (my take: Funny some would say YOU were crazy)
@ DwightHoward At the sparks game. Feels weird here in the STAPLES center. (my take: yea that would be like knocking on a bullies door!)
@ VenuseswilliamsYou can tell I am bored, didn't leave the house today. but im so tired and drained yet so bored i cant sleep. I need a challenge now!!! (my take: hmmm how about Wii Tennis!?)
@ VenuseswilliamsIm really bored! If I lived in Miami I would have something to do! (my take: We’d all have something to do!)
@SportsVentz Man the sports world has been quiet! I should probably monitor the police scanner! Where's Pacman when you need him 4 a good story?