By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Just A Thought... Why is it that we seem to be fascinated with assumptions? Just because you have earned a college degree, please don't assume you're entitled to the ideal job. Better yet in the sports world when one wins their league's championship, they shouldn't assume that they would automatically do it again. In other words nothing good comes easy, whether it's a 9-5 or becoming a 9 year vet and a 5-time champion. Which brings me to the highly touted Reggie Bush. Sure, he was the recipient of the '06 Heisman award, a member of a two time national championship team, the #2 overall pick in the '06 Draft and in his first game with the Saints gaining 59 yards on 6 carries (1 carry went for 46 yards alone). While many people believe that his play will uplift the spirits of the citizens of New Orleans (and I am one) the question is for how long. I know he'll dazzle us with his nifty moves, and break a few ankles along the way but please don't assume anything, the fans in the Motor City have witnessed this before. In 1989, the Detroit Lions were lucky enough to land Heisman recipient Barry Sanders. For 10 seasons, he mesmerized fans all over the NFL with his mind-blowing twist and turns rushing for over 1,000 yards in all of his 10 seasons played. Needless to say he was a 10 time Pro-Bowler not to mention he posted 2,053 yards in '97 (1 of 3 players to do so). After ending his illustrious yet brief career one thing eluded him, a Super Bowl ring. This is why players lace up their cleats, and put their bodies on the line year after year. While its great that one may walk away with NFL records, All-Pro selections, and an endless amount of highlights, please don't assume that accomplishing those feats will automatically equal a Super Bowl title for the team, even Reggie Bush. NFL In case you missed last week's edition of Thoughtful Thursday (scroll down), we previewed the AFC South in which I predicted the Indianapolis Colts (13-3) to win the South. Today we'll take a trip out East to breakdown a division that includes a wide range from a 3-time Champion to a three-time Super Bowl loser. Normally the Patriots are penciled in to the Super Bowl before the season began, but with an upgrade in South Beach, who knows who'll be kicking sand come January. AFC East (Order of Predicted Finish) 1. New England Patriots (2005: 10-6) I know what you're thinking the Patriots are a safe pick. While this may be true, that wasn't my motive. To many the Pats' may be getting older, when in fact they're getting younger. Just when Corey Dillon showed signs of aging in the backfield, New England drafts a very quick back in Laurence Maroney (Minnesota). At tight end, they still possess Ben Watson, and as for wide out Deion Branch is there joined by rookie standout Chad Jackson (Florida) who I believe was the best receiver in the draft. The defensive side of the ball lost Willie McGinest to free agency but gained Safety Rodney Harrison from a season ending knee injury. With that being said there are two factors that makes the Pat's supreme: Coach Belichick is still the team's mastermind, and Tom Brady executes the offense to a T. The fact that the AFC East is somewhat of a weak division doesn't hurt either. Prediction: 12-4 2. Miami Dolphins (2005: 9-7) The Fins' finished '05 with a six game winning streak just missing a playoff berth. But a year later minus the headache of Ricky Williams, the Dolphins are expected to challenge the Pats' for the division title. Not because of the way Ronnie Brown explodes between the tackles, or the fact that Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael are one of the game's deadliest duos. But because Ronnie Brown and the Dolphin tandem will be getting handoffs and passes from All-Pro QB Daunte Culpepper. That is if he fully recovers from tearing three knee ligaments in '05. But not to worry his backup is Lions castoff Joey Harrington. On second thought we'll hope for Daunte's speedy recovery. On the Defensive side of the ball you can always count on the tough play of LB Zach Thomas and DE Jason Taylor. As you may know Taylor is going through a divorce with Thomas' sister, hopefully this won't affect their chemistry. As long as the defense can put the offense in position to make plays, the city of Miami can experience playoff fever, again. Prediction: 11-5 wild card 3. Buffalo Bills (2005: 5-11) Whenever I think of the Buffalo Bills organization, the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that they loss the Super Bowl three years in a row. While its incredible that the team was good enough to bounce back and reach the ultimate game under the lights for three consecutive seasons, it still sets a losing standard for the Buffalo organization. Often times the third place team seems to be a few pieces away from contending for the division title. Well, this isn't one of those teams. In fact, they seem to be the lesser of two evils (the other being New York). With that being said ever since the team let go of Drew Bledsoe it seems as if Buffalo has returned to their losing ways. The team put its faith in J.P. Lossman, an untested QB, which resulted in a dismal 5-11 season. Not to mention their running back, Willis McGahee, proclaimed himself as being the best back in the L, he must have been hit one two many times. One would think that the team could only get better, but after releasing WR Eric Moulds adding WR Peerless Price, and ex-coach Marv Levy to the front office, there's only one thing that comes to mind, a losing team. Prediction: 6-10 4. New York Jets (2005: 4-12) If one asked me to predict the fate of the N.Y. Jets prior to the '05 season, my response would have been that they were at least a playoff team. Fast-forward a season and it's the exact opposite. Chad Pennington is coming off shoulder surgery, his second, whereas Curtis "My Favorite" Martin, is experiencing complications from a season ending knee injury that could force him into retirement. With that being said, the Jets heart is far from showing any signs of life in regards to the '06 season. At receiver Laveranues Coles, can be counted on for consistent play, but the same can't be said for Justin McCareins. Apparently, Justin has reported to camp in poor shape. With that being said there aren't any bright spots in the big apple, there are always the Yankees (and the Mets this year). Prediction: 3-13 NFL Fantasy Football Its that time of the year again, when guys and gals gather around their PC's for their perspective league Fantasy draft. Many will take time out from work, get up early or stay up late, with hopes of constructing a winning team. Many of you have spent $10-$20 on fantasy magazines, but for those of you who haven't you're in luck, here are the top 5 quarterbacks for the '06 Fantasy season. 1. Peyton Manning- Colts, with the loss of James expect Manning to air it out even more. A definite plus for Fantasy owners. 2. Tom Brady- Patriots, Tom has immersed himself in Belichick's system, and is sure to produce. 3. Jake Delhomme- Panthers, with the addition of Keyshawn Johnson look for Jake to have a field day throwing to Smith and Johnson. 4. Eli Manning- Giants, Eli has definitely matured and with the draft selection of Sinorice Moss to put in the slot, that's just another weapon in Manning's arsenal. 5. Drew Bledsoe- Cowboys, Say what you want about the Cowboys, but Drew has T.G., and T.O. to t-o-s-s the ball to. And that spells out fantasy points. ***Honorable Mention***: Carson Palmer, Bengals...Donovan McNabb, Eagles...Daunte Culpepper, Dolphins...Michael Vick, Falcons Sports Ventz • USA B-Ball: Team USA finished their exhibition tour with a 5-0 record. Their average margin of victory was 34.5 points/game. Everything seems to be clicking for the team, and with one cut remaining you can probably bet your last dollar that Bruce Bowen will most likely be sent home. The World Championships kick-off Aug. 19. • NFL: Donovan McNabb was quoted as saying "This is a Super Bowl team." It's only right for a player to be optimistic coming off a 6-10 season, but Super Bowl? I know he's recovering from a sports hernia but are the side effects memory loss? This team is clearly in its rebuilding stage when his key target is a second year wide out, not to mention a defense that was tough three years ago. Face it McNabb you guys suck! • What was he thinking? Uniformed Secret Service agents arrested former NBA player, Lonny Baxter, on Wednesday after shots were fired from his Range Rover two blocks away from the White House. When you stand 6-9 and drive a white Range Rover what makes you think someone wouldn't see you fire shots? • Toasted! Minnesota Vikings receiver Koren Robinson, was arrested Tuesday night after he was clocked at 100+ mph in a 55 mph zone. He was charged with fleeing from police, a felony, along with two DWI charges and three other misdemeanors. Apparently he was in a rush to make the team's 11 0'clock curfew. Robinson was a recovering alcoholic who made strides after being released by the Seahawks. It seemed that his problems were behind him, as he was the Vikings spark plug, and Pro-Bowl representative last season. With the news of him being arrested, and the likelihood of him being exiled from the league, the NFC North will definitely toast to that.

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. I was always told to "never let your mouth write a check that you're a** can't cash". Obviously Manu Ginobili, guard for Team Argentina and the San Antonio Spurs, never learned this lesson. Recently he was quoted as saying TEAM USA's dominance is "part of the past." In fact he believes the gap in the talent level between U.S. basketball and the rest of the world is gradually diminishing. "I don't think you're ever going to see again a U.S. team that beats everyone else by a big margin," Ginobili said. "That was 15 years ago or whenever it was, now basketball has changed and many of us are playing with them in the NBA every single day so we're getting closer." Okay...First of all Mr. GINOBILI, while its true that many foreign players currently occupy NBA rosters, very few players are from the same country. As a result when TEAM USA faces someone like CHINA, the fact that Yao Ming is their star player (and NBA star) does not help their chances of winning, hence the 46-point victory (119-73). Okay so Ming didn't suit up for the game, so let's assume he played a great game and team China would have only lost by 30 points instead of 46. Prior to China's defeat, the U.S. men went on to crush Puerto Rico (twice) led by Magic Guard Carlos Arroyo. Sure the Brazil men made things tough for the men wearing Stars & Stripes, but this may have been due to the fact that Team USA lost their leading scorer in Carmelo Anthony midway through the second quarter. Okay, so maybe I am siding with my fellow Americans in regards to the four point win, and excuse them for not beating the crap out of everyone they face but a W is still a W, just don't tell that to Ginobili. "Even though they are very good, beating everyone else by 30 points, that's part of the past." Says Ginobili. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but regardless as to what one may think about the play of Americans, their average margin of victory thus far is 29.5 points, hey Manu go ahead and round that up to 30 please. As we all know TEAM USA took a step back in world dominance during the '04 Olympics (Bronze Medal) and '02 World Championships (6th place finish) but one must not only view the make-up of the team, but examine the Coach. The team was equipped with youth (LeBron, DWade, and Carmelo) that didn't receive much playing time not to mention a couple of guards in which Brown hasn't had the best relationship with (Iverson, Marbury), and you feel as if the gap has been closed. Go ahead enjoy your Gold Medal and NBA Championships but this team is equipped with winners. From Top to Bottom, Coach K has instilled a defensive mindset and togetherness in which they all understand that an up-tempo defense (coupled with communication) will lead to easy buckets and "flashy" play, the American way. Please be mindful of the fact that committed players such as: Kobe Bryant (3-time Champion), Chauncey Billups (1-time Champion), Amare Stoudemire (ManChild), Michael Redd (Sharp-Shooter) are still possibilities for the '08 Olympics. Did I fail to mention that no one in the World could stop a fast break (or half-court set) with the likes of PG Chris Paul (leading the break) with SG Wade, SF James, and PF Anthony streaking up the court for an exciting finish! Did I also fail to mention that the oldest guy in the group, Dwayne Wade-24, is the MVP of the '06 NBA Finals, and the youngest guy on this list, Chris Paul- 21, is the '05-'06 Rookie of the Year. If not then please take note. So, Manu if you still believe that US dominance is a thing of the past, please remember that our future is now and our dominance will continue for another 15 years to come. Check Please!

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Just A Thought... How does the clich

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Just A Thought... Is it me or is it HOT no matter what your area code is? I mean its so hot people are using automatic start on cars to get their A/C blowing in the morning prior to leaving for work. Which brings me to this week's thought. On Tuesday an Atlanta teen died during football practice because of heat exhaustion. Every summer there seems to be a fatality involving football players and heat. I know its just one of those "freak" things that happens, I myself played football and witnessed guys dropping like flies due to the heat, but aren't athletes (especially professionals) suppose to be in "tip-top" condition? But yet they tend to die exercising. Many people find themselves dieting and exercising with hopes of dropping a few pounds, trying to get in that one dress or "fit" by labor day, but please keep in mind that while eating right and exercising daily is imperative to one's health, that even "World Class" athletes die trying to stay in shape. So do what's right to stay healthy but don't kill yourself in the process. NFL In case you missed last week's edition of Thoughtful Thursday (scroll down), we previewed the NFC East and NFC West in which I predicted the Dallas Cowboys (11-5) to win the East and the Seattle Seahawks (12-4) to win the West. Now its time to switch gears from the NFC to the AFC. The AFC has dominated in the past winning the last four Super Bowls (Patriots & Steelers) but we'll begin to break down each division to see if the AFC can make it 5. Will this finally be the year for the Colts? Will the Chargers finally emerge? Can the Raiders come out of the black hole? Most of all, can the Steelers repeat? Wait no more as we kick the AFC outlook off with the AFC North. AFC North (Order of Predicted Finish) 1. Pittsburgh Steelers (2005: 11-5) 2005 was a fantastic year for the Steelers as they capped off their year as Super Bowl Champs. But just when things were great for the champs everything would seem to go down hill. Jerome Bettis retires, Randle El opts for Free-Agency and joins the Redskins, Rookie WR Santonio Holmes was arrested...twice, and Ben Rothlesberger was fast & furious crashing his motorcycle (without a helmet) needing reconstructive surgery on his face. So why are they predicted to win the AFC North? Well, due to the return of Big Ben, who miraculously made it out of the crash without any serious injuries, he'll continue to mature and lead the team to supremacy. The loss of Bettis meant the birth of "fast" Willie Parker, and will allow Duce Staley to return to form (the Steelers can only hope). As for the receiver position this won't be the first time SB MVP Hines Ward loss his sidekick, Plaxico Burress left to join the NY Giants prior to the Steelers doing it XL in the Super Bowl and with the departure of Randle El (who only had 36 rec.) the team will allow Rookie Holmes and Cedrick Wilson to step up. But as we all know the Steelers was never a "Pass" first team anyway. On the defensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh returns 11 starters (addition FS Ryan Clark) and as long as Polamalu and Porter stays healthy they will continue to make everyone around them better. The Steelers will have a tough schedule facing the NFC South (as well as division foes) but should limp out as division champs. Prediction: 11-5 2. Baltimore Ravens (2005: 6-10) Everyone (including myself) would like to forget about the '05 season for the Ravens, unfortunately that's not possible. Jamal Lewis never returned to true form, and the air attack, led by Kyle Boller, seemed to never take flight. And that's just the offensive woes. But due to off-season and free-agency, things will soon change for the Baltimore faithful. Starting on "O" the Ravens finally had the "beaks" to demote Boller and acquire Steve McNair. McNair has been reunited with one of his favorite targets in Derrick Mason. Not to mention the emergence of Mark Clayton, and Todd Heap, things may revert to the "Air" days for McNair. Many may question Steve's health as he continues to age but with the stacked backfield of Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson, things should be balanced for the Ravens and keep defenses honest. As for the "D" or should I say Ed & Ray...There prayers may have finally been answered. Not only has the team upgraded at QB, but Trevor Pryce, DE, was acquired from the Broncos, and their first draft pick, Haloti Ngata will both provide a spark in the trenches so that Lewis and Reed can continue to emerge in the secondary (barring injury). Keep in mind the AFC North will battle the NFC South, which is a RB dominated division and if they plan on returning to the playoffs their front four must remain in tack. Prediction: 10-6 3. Cincinnati Bengals (2005: 11-5) I know. I know. Before you start filling my inbox with hate mail, I too had to scratch my head at the #3 prediction for the Bengals. I mean how could one deny there 11-5 (AFC North Champ) season? Easy with two words: Carson Palmer. Just when things were turning around for the new look Bengals, their franchise QB goes down with a torn ACL (although he'd completed a 66 yard bomb to Chris Henry) in the wild card game. There season kicks off Sept. 10 versus the Chiefs, and will mark the 8th month in recovery for Palmer. His health may pose the difference between division champs, and missing the playoffs. The issue that I have is with the loss of Jon Kitna (Lions) Cincy's backup is Anthony Wright. Although Wright is an eight-year vet, everything about his production has been all wrong. Except for when he led the Ravens to a division title in 2003. The big difference was that the '03 Ravens had a sure fire defense. Which brings me to the "black shirts." Although they upgraded at DT with the addition of Sam Adams, and at S with Dexter Jackson, the foundation of this unit is "youth" and depending on their growth one can only wonder how they will fair in 2006. Prediction: 9-7 4. Cleveland Browns (2005: 6-10) Before I began, I would like to start by saying the Browns will not have a losing season in '06, in fact they won't have a winning one either, and here's why. With the late season emergence of Charlie Frye, the Browns are finally settled on a QB. But with the loss of Trent Dilfer (a proven vet), Frye's backup is now Ken Dorsey. As for the receiving core, last season it was Antonio Bryant, Dennis Northcutt, and Steve Heiden (TE). But do to an off-season of getting healthy the dynamic trio of Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, and Kellen Winslow, Jr. will be expected to light up the score-board in the "Dog Pound". While this "sounds" good Edwards and Winslow both lack experience and both coming off knee injuries, so the question mark on offense remains. As for defense things should improve with the addition of NT Ted Washington and LB Willie McGinest. The two bring leadership, experience, and most of all a winning attitude. That's great! But they are surrounded by two rookies at LB (Jackson and Wimbley) As for the secondary the only bright spot is CB Gary Baxter. As a result things are looking good on the potential side for the Browns, but on the other hand the lack of experience may leave fans wondering, What can brown do for them? Prediction: 8-8 Sports Ventz • USA B-Ball: On Tuesday Team USA, began its quest for World Supremacy, in an exhibition game versus Puerto Rico. To say the least the Americans were stealing as usual, forcing Puerto Rico into 30 turnovers. The final score was USA 116 Puerto Rico 82. In case you're wondering the star-studded cast was led by Carmelo Anthony (23 points) and LeBron James (20 points). For you B-ball "fanatics" Team USA exhibition games will air today vs. Puerto Rico @ 11 p.m. on ESPN2, and 8/7 vs. China @ 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The real thing kicks off Aug. 19, when they travel to China for the World Championship to face Puerto Rico. • NBA: The NBA is changing the way teams are seeded in the postseason, looking to avoid the controversy that surrounded last season's playoffs. Starting in the upcoming season, the top four seeds -- the three division winners and the second-place team with the best record -- will be seeded according to their win-loss total, guaranteeing that the top two teams in each conference can't meet until the conference finals, the league announced Wednesday. Haven't they heard of "If it ain't broke than don't fix it?" Had they just left things alone the Mavs' could have defeated the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, instead of the Semifinals. • College Football: It's amazing how every year another team is struck with allegations involving a high-profile player and boosters. This season is no different. Just a day before the Oklahoma Sooners reported to training camp, it was announced that starting QB Rhett Bomar was dismissed from the team b/c he received $18,000 from a car dealership in which he worked a mere 5 hours a week during the summer. The debate of whether or not College players should be compensated will continue, b/c cases such as Bomar's will continue to surface. ...Auburn suspended two LB (Blackmon, Sears) for three games...UT Vols suspended one player and dismissed another...The "U" of Miami that is suspended four players for the season opener vs. instate rival FSU. WR Moore and RB Moss were among those suspended....The bright side to it all Coll. Football kicks off in 4 weeks. • NFL: RB Reggie Bush, holdout didn't last long as he signed a deal for 6 years worth $62 million ($26.3 million signing bonus). Now he could concentrate on football, and he should sleep easier they say millionaires pillows tend to be a whole lot softer. WR Deion Branch- of the New England Patriots is still holding out, there has been an offer of 4 years worth $19 million left on the table. Who knows when things will work out, both sides haven't spoken in a week. Tom Brady has been quoted as saying "Branch is one of the most important keys to the Pats' success." But it seems as if the Pats' ain't buying it, If you ask me rookie WR Chad Jackson will be a great replacement for the missing Branch. RB Michael Bennett- was finally traded to the Chiefs looking to back up Larry Johnson. But with this move being made the Chiefs organization claim that this does not mean they're giving up on Priest Holmes....yeah right! Will primetime return to the Falcons? This is a question many are pondering in Hot-Lanta. Since CB DeAngelo Hall proved to be the NFL's fastest man during the competition this past spring in Hawaii, it seemed to raise the eyebrows of the Falcons coaching staff. As a result Hall practiced on the Offensive side of the ball running routes, in an attempt to put the ball in the hands of the potential dangerous CB. While Hall returned to the Defensive side for team drills, keep in mind that there was once a CB in Atlanta that wore #21 that electrified the crowd on both sides of the ball, who knows with the speed of Vick at QB, these two Hokie products could mind boggle Defensive Coordinators league wide....

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