Thoughtful Thursday By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Just A Thought... Quick ask yourself, what's your therapy? When times get hard, and you feel like you can't go on, what do you do for therapy? I myself watch sports and write (I know pathetic), but in the sports world it's often that athletes would prefer to play the game they love. Tiger Woods is no different. After losing his father to Cancer, Tiger eventually returned to Golf, the game his father introduced him to. Sure he didn't perform well but it was his first step of therapy. After a few charity and public appearances (step 2) Tiger was prepared to defend his title in this past weekend British Open. Tiger didn't disappoint leading 3/4 of the way in capturing his 11th major (tied 2nd all-time). So ask yourself what's your therapy (or sport)? Because for Tiger without sports (or therapy) Golf would have been a boring walk in the park...and to me that's pathetic. NFL In case you missed last week's edition of Thoughtful Thursday (scroll down), we previewed the NFC North and NFC South in which I predicted the Chicago Bears to win the North (12-4) and the Atlanta Falcons (11-5) to win the South. Now its time to switch our direction (or focus) from North & South to East & West. Will T.O. shift Eastern powers? Can the Seahawks defend? Or will the Cardinals take over the West? Or will Eli be the Mann(ing) in the big apple? All that and more in this week's NFC longitude outlook? NFC East (Order of Predicted Finish) 1. Dallas Cowboys (2005: 9-7) Since the departure of Deion, Emmitt, Irvin, and Aikman, the only star in Dallas was located on the Cowboys uniform. Now that Bill Parcells philosophy is in place, coupled with the gun slinging arm of Drew Bledsoe, one piece was missing, an ultimate go to guy (sorry Keyshawn). Well say no more with the addition of T.O. the only timeouts needed will be by opponents defense trying to adjust to the likes of Owens, Glenn, and Witten. Glenn is a speedster and Owens is tough over the middle and explosive in the open field. Witten is a talented receiver at tight end and as a result will be a nightmare for East opponents. The 'boys 9-7 record was due to the loss of a few games in the final seconds, hence the arrival of Mike Vanderjagt (from the Colts) Vanderjagt is pretty much automatic, just don't ask him to win in the playoffs. Prediction: 11-5 2. New York Giants (2005: 11-5) In 2005 the Giants played big in the first half of the season posting one of the most potent offenses in the "L". But Eli would eventually break down under the pressure of a grueling NFL season. Coming into his third season look for Manning's maturity to kick into high gear. With the addition of Sinorice Moss (brother of Santana) Eli will have the option of releasing the ball quicker to the elusive receiver. Not to mention Shockey, Burress, Toomer, and the tough running of Tiki Barber will keep the Giants in the hunt for it all. Many feel that Defense is the key to winning it all, as do the Giants with the addition of LB LaVar Arrington, CB Sam Madison, and SS Will Demps, it would appear that they are shaping up to become a top contender in not only the East but the NFC as a whole. The big question will be health as most of their key players are true veterans. Prediction: 10-6 Wild Card 3. Washington Redskins (2005: 10-6) Did someone yell air attack! With the addition of Randle El, and Brandon Lloyd at receiver (coupled w/ Santana Moss) it would appear that this team is a D.B.'s nightmare, and this may be true. But please believe that with Cooley at tight end to draw attention in the middle, Clinton Portis should look to have a banner year out of the backfield. So why are they picked to finish third in the NFC East, (other than this is a tough division) is the fact that Mark Brunnell isn't getting any younger. While its true that he has a great nucleus around him he is prone to injury and his backup Jason Campbell (who has potential) lacks the needed experience in a division as tough as the NFC East. On the defensive side of the ball Adam Archuleta will be coupled with the hard-hitting Sean Taylor, but veteran spark plug LaVar Arrington was replaced by rookie Roger McIntosh, this could prove to be their downfall in stopping other East opponents. Prediction: 9-7 4. Philadelphia Eagles (2005: 6-10) If last year was a disaster, then this season will be a catastrophe. I could care less what anyone else says in regards to the release of T.O., but the team literally digressed 5 years with his loss. For those of you who forgot McNabb was always told that with a big play threat (like Owens) the sky is the limit, but when he (Owens) is replaced by a second year player in Reggie Brown (43 rec. 571 yards '05) one can only hope that a mere flash of #81 will be seen in Brown. Its imperative for the defense to put the "O" in scoring position due to their lack of fire power, and their defense seems to look good on paper...then again that was about 5 years ago. Prediction: 7-9 NFC West (Predicted Order of Finish) 1. Seattle Seahawks (2005:13-3) After reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history (and losing) the city of Seattle was left sleepless for the past six months with hopes of returning to the big game to be crowned champs. The Seahawks retained 9 starters on an offense that averaged 370 yards per game in 2005. With the addition of Seattle native Nate Burleson the "O" should regain its form, however there biggest loss may have been LG Steve Hutchinson, we shall soon find out. In the end the Seahawks own this "weak" division and will continue to be king until someone else says so. Prediction: 12-4 2. Arizona Cardinals (2005: 5-11) Lets get one thing straight, the Cardinals featured two wide-outs (Boldin, Fitzgerald) that posted 100 catches campaign for a season, which was responsible for the #1 passing attack in the NFL and they only managed 5 wins. How could this be? Well its obvious that they had to do a lot of catching up rather than putting games away, which is why the addition of Edgerrin James gives them an opportunity to contend for the wild-card spot, and even the NFC West. Many feel as if Kurt Warner will not be the guy to get these guys over the hump (I'm one of those people), which is why the draft selection of Matt Leinart will prove to be a great one. Look for Leinart to be thrusted into the starting role due to a Warner injury. Watch out this team is a true sleeper! Prediction: 9-7 3. St. Louis Rams (2005: 6-10) Is it just me or does the days of the "greatest show on turf" seem to be pre-historic. Warner is a Cardinal, and after a season-ending knee surgery next week it would seem, as if Marshall Faulk will finally hang up his cleats. Then again the team does have Holt and Bruce (who aren't getting any younger). Now the load is placed on RB Stephen Jackson, and while he may be fast and strong to carry the team, the question is for how long? It's obvious that this team is entering its rebuilding stage, and like the city's famous Arch what goes up most come down, even the Rams record. Prediction: 8-8 4. San Francisco 49ers (2005: 4-12) Yes the days of Montana & Young to Rice, and even Garcia to Owens are long gone. But the future of (Alex) Smith to (Vernon) Davis is now. The only problem with that tandem is that one is entering his second season, whereas the other is a rookie. There isn't much to analyze other than, the fact that this may be the worse team in the NFL. As a result the City of San Fran. Should appreciate Barry Bonds before he too is long gone. Prediction: 4-12 Sports Ventz • MLB: Greg Anderson, personal trainer/ childhood friend of Bonds said he'd rather go back to prison for a third time than take part in the Grand Jury investigation of tax evasion and perjury against Barry Bonds. Either he's a damn good friend, or the money is damn good...you be the judge! • USA B-Ball: For those of you who don't know the first cut was made for the USA National team that will compete in Japan in mid August. The three cuts were: Shawn Marion, Adam Morrison, and Luke Ridnour. Prior to them being cut Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, J.J. Reddick, Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis, Paul Pierce, and Michael Redd could not participate in the "try-out" due to injury, or family reasons. I don't know about you but we may be better off having an open run at all NBA arenas for NBA players interested because players seem to cut themselves well before being cut. • NFL Holdouts/More: Now that the NFL season is officially underway with teams in training camps, there will always be contract issues to get in the way of players reporting, this year being no different here are a few notable holdouts, and team headaches; o RB Reggie Bush- The most controversial rookie will continue to be a problem now that his contract negotiation is heating up. The problem is he wants more than the #1 pick and he didn't even get picked #1, I don't know but something tells me this Bush won't get over on New Orleans this time around. o WR Deion Branch- of the New England Patriots is looking to holdout from camp because he is unhappy with his contract. Although his numbers isn't as eye-popping as say Terrell Owens, he was crowned MVP of that same Super Bowl Terrell played in. That's something to think about. o WR Jerry Porter- of the Oakland Raiders is seeking a trade b/c he doesn't get along with Head Coach Art Shell. The team is actively seeking a trade but wants a first round pick involved, good luck on that one. o REDZONE Magazine: Go ahead throw a flag for reader interference! For those of you who may be unaware I have been working to introduce my magazine (REDZONE) to the world. It will be laced with 100% Football from Preps to Pros, and ooks to launch by the beginning of football season (Sept. 7). Many of you may be familiar with SLAM Magazine (Basketball), well RedZone will attempt to represent for the guys between the hash marks. When entering the RedZone please remember to enjoy, because you may never get there again! FOR MORE INFO VISIT: http://www.myspace.com/redzonemag