By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.

Just A Thought…

CRITIQUE or COMPLIMENT…which would you prefer? Everyone loves to be told nice things about themselves, even if they already know/heard these things. But what about something you never knew about yourself (or something you’ve ignored). The thing is no one in life is perfect so WE can all use being critiqued from time to time. In fact a person who seeks critiquing is the one that will ultimately be complimented on their hard work and results. No ball player perfected a jump shot, learned the perfect form tackle and caught up to hitting the toughest curve balls because they were complimented there whole life. In fact, none of those things would have ever been accomplished without a critique. Whether you’re on the job or simply practicing on your passion or craft never shy away from a critique. After all, one can learn more from a critique than they ever could from a compliment.

NBA News & Notes:

Where Will Amazing Happen This Year: With NBA Training Camps beginning as early as Saturday, the start of the NBA season is right around the corner. Players have been U-Streaming (Starbury), writing books (Chris Paul), releasing movies (LeBron James) and yes getting hitched (Lamar Odom, still can’t believe this one). Starting next week I will begin to break down teams (division –by-division) in an attempt to predict the order of finish, individual accolades and eventual NBA Champions. Stay tuned.

NFL News & Notes

*7^TH HEAVEN? After being away from the game of football for 2 years, Michael Vick and his spectacular antics will return to the field this Sunday. When Vick was approached about this opportunity he stated that, “this is a dream come true to me.” It’s funny hearing a guy who was once the highest paid player in the NFL make this statement, but one can understand where he’s coming from. With McNabb still nursing a fractured rib it’s likely he won’t play. Vick will not be starting in his place but one can assume he will be used in “Wildcat” formation. “I was the Wildcat originator,” Vick said. “So it’s not foreign territory to me.” And that is what fans cannot wait to see out of Vick. Now I must say its been a minutes since he’s played with the “Varsity” players so it may take a few weeks for the spectacular plays to return, in fact Vick submitted us all a warning. “I understand Superman may not be ready to return.” He said smiling. “But he will in the future.” Oh Thank Heaven for #7!

STAT OF WEEK: Since 1990, 160 teams began the season 0-2. Only 22 of the teams reached the playoffs. With that said, the Lions, Rams, Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs, Browns, Dolphins, Jaguars and Titans. Of these teams the only one I can see making the playoffs is the Titans, because of their tough defense and run game. As for everyone else get ready for the 2010 draft.

FANTASY FOOTBALL INJURY REPORT:

*QB MATT HASSELBECK (Seahawks)- Hasselbeck is suffering from a broken rib (like McNabb) and while its unlikely that he will play this Sunday (vs. Bears) he is “doing all he can” to return this Sunday. If you were trying to figure out what to do my advice would be to bench him this week. Even if Matt does play the chances of the Bears “D” aggravating that broken rib or forcing him into turnovers is very likely. Besides the Seahawks have so many injured players they can’t afford to lose their leader for a long period of time so one week seems likely.

*QB DONOVAN McNABB (Eagles)- After missing the last game with a fractured rib, McNabb sat out of practice Wednesday. With Michael Vick being activated to the roster this gives Andy Reid and the Eagles another weapon to at least use in the Wildcat formation. McNabb wants to play (like every other NFL player) but all signs point to No. Stay away from Mc5 this week, as he’s likely to sit out against the 0-2 Chiefs.

*RB ADRIAN PETERSON: The NFL leading rusher was limited in practice due to a sore back. A.P. did take a nice shot in the back against the Lions that’s probably got him pretty sore. But something tells me when the Vikings visit the 49ers he’ll magically be 100% again and running wild. Until you see A.P. listed as OUT on the injury report you’ve got to start him!

*WR WES WELKER: Tom Brady’s “easy” button in Welker missed last Sunday’s game with a knee injury. As a result, the Patriots never reached the end zone. Welker is expected to play this Sunday vs. the Falcons so look for Brady to lean on Welker to open things up for Moss down the field. I know Brady struggled last week but one has to expect him to get things going this week at home and Welker will be a big reason for the passing game’s success. He’s a must start!

NFL: PICK 6! WEEK 3 Predictions: Week 2 was a bit rough. I went 3-3 in my Pick 6 predictions, however my upset special (Bears OVER Steelers) was correct and kept my head above mediocre waters. Here’s a look into week 3 of the NFL.

1. (2-0) FALCONS @ (1-1) PATRIOTS- One of the NFC’s most balanced teams in the Falcons will travel East to face the Pats. Atlanta coming off two convincing home wins will face a Patriots team that has holes on defense and timing still seems to be off on “O”. Look for New England to be more polished at every facet of the game after nearly beginning the season 0-2. Their first two games were against division foes so one has to expect the outings to be tough. As for the Falcons they run the ball to open up passing lanes for Matty Ice. However, against a Belichick scheme things will have to be mixed up. Thing is I’m sure the Falcons will be leaning on Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez to keep Brady & Co. off the field. If the Falcons can when the Time of Possession game they have a chance to get the W. As for the Patriots they’ve got to convert more 3^rd Downs to put pressure on the young Matt Ryan to make plays with his arm. This should be a very good game. Prediction: Patriots by 4

2. (0-2) PANTHERS @ (1-1) COWBOYS- Last season the Panthers had the best record in the NFC and now they can’t seem to win a game. As for the Cowboys more attention has been set on the jumbotron in “Jerry’s World” than it has been on the potential for the Cowboys to reach the Super Bowl. Tony Romo looked great against the Bucs’ then went back to Tony “Oh-No” against the Giants and their tough front 7. Many critics (including Cowboys great Tony Dorsett) have called Romo out so I expect for him to bounce back on Monday Night against Carolina. As for the Panthers Jake Delhomme has thrown 10 interceptions in his last 3 games (dating back to the playoffs) and the Panthers running game has not been as effective as it once was. If Carolina can get Stewart & Williams going on the ground things may become a bit easier for Delhomme in the air. As for the Cowboys they rushed for over 200 yards against the Giants but could not overcome Romo’s three INT’s. So which QB can make fewer mistakes under the bright lights? My guess is Tony Romo, but that’s assuming his team wins the rushing game. Prediction: Cowboys by 3

3. (2-0) COLTS @ (1-1) CARDINALS- If you love an aerial attack you should be glued to the television on Sunday night. The Peyton Manning’s will travel to Arizona to take on a Cardinals team that lives and dies by their aerial attack. Two former Super Bowl MVP’s will face off in the desert. Now that the table has been set let’s make on thing clear, no one and I mean NO ONE can orchestrate a passing attack like the great Peyton “Cannon” Manning!!! I know Warner has two great wideouts in Fitzgerald & Boldin but Kurt is the x-factor due to his fight against father time! This game will be very entertaining and while I admit this is a trap game for the Colts after facing the ball controlling wildcat Dolphins Monday night and now will be faced with stopping the Cards’ passing attack in the desert but as many saw on Monday all Manning need is a quarter to win a game. So why should things be different this time around? Prediction: Colts by 6

4. (1-1) STEELERS @ (1-1) BENGALS: The AFC North will feature a battle between the hard-hitting Steelers and the never know what you’re gonna get Bengals. Pittsburgh is coming off a lost against the Bears (in Chicago) whereas the Bengals are fresh off a victory against the Packers (in Green Bay) so how will things play out this week (in Cincinnati)? Pittsburgh’s biggest problem is that they can’t run the ball. Due to their inability to rely on their running game leads to more time for their defense (minus Polamalu) to remain on the field. If the Steelers can’t control the clock this will allow Palmer & Co. to attack the Steelers secondary. As for the Bengals, they showed how effective their running game could be on the shoulders of RB Cedric Benson. Benson seems to be motivated as a rusher and he’s showing why the Bears drafted him so high. If the Bengals can continue to move the ball on the ground Chad OchoCinco will be doing his best to make Steelers corners “kiss the baby.” This game will be entertaining but if things stay close the overall better team will come out with the W. Prediction: Steelers by 5

5. (0-2) TITANS @ (2-0) JETS: I don’t know what’s more surprising to me. The fact that the Titans are winless or the Jets are undefeated. Granted it’s only week 3 of the season but last year the Titans didn’t lose a game until week 12 and the Jets seem seasoned despite the fact that a rookie is running the offense. But this is when adjustments are made. The Jets will be facing the L.D.F. better known as the Let Down Factor. After coming off the big win against division rival Patriots, the Jets will welcome the Titans (coming off two close crushing losses) to Giants stadium to see whose record is truly a reflection of their team. The Titans defense will place pressure on the young Sanchez like he’s never seen thus far and the Titans run game will keep Rex Ryan’s blitzing attack off balanced. The Jets have to be careful about this one because the Titans know that a 0-3 start spells N-F-L Lottery! Something no team wants to face this early in the season. Prediction: Titans by 10

6. (2-0) 49ers @ (2-0) VIKINGS: Here is the preview of the NFC Championship game…okay so I’m only joking but by the looks of their record some weird journalist will begin a story with those very words this week. The Niners revamped defense lead by LB Patrick Willis will visit the Vikings and attempt to slow down Adrian Peterson. So far the ‘Niners have looked more impressive at 2-0 than their opponents (Vikings). I expect San Fran to be motivated to prove to the NFL world that they are serious this year and can easily be the Cardinals to squeak out their division and surprise some team(s) in the postseason. Keep your eyes on the scores scrolling across the screen Sunday, the final may shock you.  Prediction: Vikings by 3

NFL: QUICK PICKS (For the Office Pool Players!)

**SURE FIRE PICKS**

PACKERS OVER RAMS

EAGLES OVER CHIEFS

GIANTS OVER BUCCANEERS

RAVENS OVER BROWNS

BEARS OVER SEAHAWKS

**EVEN STEVENS**

TEXANS OVER JAGUARS

CHARGERS OVER DOLPHINS

BRONCOS OVER RAIDERS

REDSKINS OVER LIONS

**UPSET SPECIAL**

BILLS OVER SAINTS

III. SAY WHAT!!! (Tweets of the Week)

@mrwrite642 Maybe the Dolphins should have a Wildcat Defense. (My take: Or a QB named Manning for the 4^th quarter!)

@jalenrose Prediction-2010 free agents-LeBron-Dwade-and Bosh—all stay w/current teams! (My take: I bet you he won’t take that prediction to Vegas)

@mcuban Business is a sport that is played 24x7x365 and the whole world is the other team (Mavericks owner Mark Cuban)

@OGOchoCinco Anybody on Twitter going to the Dallas and Carolina game Monday night, if so I want to go with someone that has an extra ticket (My take: Funny thing is, Chad is serious. He was spotted in the 200 section at the Colts-Dolphins game)

@OGOchoCinco Esteban has arisen, I'm up 4 hours early headed to the weightroom, you all have a great **** day (So Happy It's Thursday)