By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr.

Just a Thought...

ACCOUNTABILITY...Here's the new word of the day, accountability! No it doesn't have anything to do with our slumping economy nor is it a tactic to help one gain more on their tax returns. In fact, the term has absolutely nothing to do with numbers or accounting. Instead the word of the day has to do with the act of ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY and or FAULT in any and all of life situations. I'll take myself for example. Every Thursday for the past three years I've made it my duty to express myself through my weekly blog "Thoughtful Thursday." Only problem is today is FRIDAY! Sure, I've been busy with my "new" job and I'm tired when I get home but at the end of the day I chose to release this blog every Thursday no matter what. So do I make excuses? Or do I simply hold myself accountable for my actions? Easy answer right? So, when it comes to one Adam "Don't Call Me Pacman" Jones--why does it appear to be so difficult for him to do the same? Yet another easy answer, because he's selfish. I'm sure he's a big "star" and trouble always seem to find him but at one point when does he stand up and say "I chase trouble, trouble don't chase me!" Because regardless as to what he says is "blown out of proportion" his actions is effecting not only his image but his team, his fans and most of all his family. All of our mistakes may not be as highly documented or effect others in the same way but at some point in his life neither were his mistakes. So when you're late for work don't blame it on traffic. Or when you forget to pick up the phone to see how your parents are doing (and not for begging) don't blame it on sprint. Because if one fails to practice assume accountability early on in life they may find themselves so deep in trouble that their lack of accountability will result in a true numbers crunch! (5-10....years that is!)

I. NFL Week 6 Predictions (Last week 6-7) Just when I thought I was turning the corner towards success in my weekly predictions, I seem to have been bit by the old keyboard injury bug! But after several visits to the training room I'm feeling better than ever and I'm ready to hit the field. Let's take a look!

1. Bears (3-2) @ Falcons (3-2) (1 pm, FOX)-  Prior to the season had you told me the Bears/Falcons game would be in my top 5 games of the week, I probably would have told you that you were either a Bears fan or a Falcons fan (or a Bears fan living in Atlanta). But that's why they play the games and this one is destined for sheer entertainment. The Falcons have played their best football in the Georgia Dome this season where they are 2-0. Michael Turner & Co have managed to run wild over their opponents so far this season. Which is the reason this game will be so entertaining. You see the Bears have made it nearly impossible to run against (see Eagles). As for Chicago they've surprised the NFL world with the rookie sensation RB Matt Forte. Forte has successfully run between the tackles and out on the perimeter making defenders miss and running through them as well. The difference in this game will be the play at the QB position. Falcons rookie Matt Ryan is maturing with every snap and Bears signal caller, Kyle Orton, has Bear fans asking "am I dremaing" off the heels of his 334 yard passing day against the Lions. Yes the Lions. But the same Lions that these falcons embarrased in their home opener and the same Falcons who went up to Green Bay and stole a victory. The Bears are trying to avoid being the third NFC North team to fall at the hands of the dirty birds. With the energy and aggressiveness that the Bears Defense has been playing with I look for them to make Matt Ryan look like a rookie.  

Prediction: BEARS by 10

 2. Ravens (2-2) @ Colts (2-2) (1 pm, CBS)- The Ravens defense tend to always give the Colts problems however Manning finds a way to pull out a win. The issue this week will not be Peyton trying to outsmart Ray Lewis but the Colts defense attempting to tackle the Ravens running backs! With both teams looking to go north in the standings the game will come down to the trenches. While Indy will struggle with the Ravens running game, the Ravens will struggle with getting to Manning because he'll be getting rid of the ball and allowing his playmakers to make plays. This game will be played tight but the Colts are simply the better team and with them playing in front of their home crowd I expect them to be on top of their games. 

Prediction: COLTS by 3

3. Jaguars (2-3) @ Broncos (4-1) 4:05pm, CBS)-  Everyone's "sexy" Super Bowl pick has struggled and the relentless Denver Broncos continue to pick apart their opponents. Jay Cutler has found a swagger. He recently made a bold statement that he not only has the strongest arm in the league but an even stronger arm than John Elway! Yep you read it here correctly. Jay is confident and for his opponents that is very scary. That is unless you're the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is a smash mouth team that loves a challenge and is not afraid to hit their opponents in the mouth. A big reason why the Broncos are 4-1 is because they have yet to face a team that is physical in the trenches and is not shy about hitting their speedy wideouts. Look for Jacksonville to slow the game down by controlling the clock with their two-headed monster on the ground and force Denver into passing the ball out of rhythm. Cutler may be confident in his arm but the Jags front four are even more confident in their ability to sack the quarterback. 

Prediction: JAGUARS by 6

4. Patriots (3-1) @ Chargers (2-3) (8:15 pm, NBC)-  On paper the Chargers should walk away with the victory. No Brady. No explosive offense. and the Pats are on the back end of back-to-back games on the west coast. But the one thing that balances those faults is Coach Belichick. After coming off a bye week the Patriots seemed to have settled down offensively and gotten back to playing with their minds first and physical ability second. The key to the game will be the Patriots offensive line giving Matt Cassell time in the pocket to get the ball to Moss, Welker and Watson. As for the Chargers they are coming off a big loss to the Dolphins (yes the same Dolphins that beat the Pats!) But the alarming stat may not be the loss itself but the lack of production out of L.T. who only gained a total of 35 yards on the ground. Normally teams making cross country trips for games struggle in games but the due to their last game being played in San Francisco Coach Belichick decided to have his team stay in California whether than traveling home prior to returning. These things may go unnoticed but that decision may be the difference in the outcome. 

Pediction: PATRIOTS by 4

***Game of the Week***

5. Bengals (0-5) @ Jets (2-2) (1 pm, CBS)-  Okay let me know when you're done laughing.....No really are you done now? Good. Yes this is the game of the week! No it will not appear on Monday Night Football (nor Sunday Night Football) yet it will probably go unnoticed unless you are in New York and Cincinnati. Look the Bengals have looked as bad as their record but I find it hard to believe that their losing ways will continue. Despite Favre's six TD performance two weeks ago he has stated that he still does not feel "at home" in the big apple. This game will turn into a shootout and the pressure to trust his team will weigh on Favre and force him into some of his old habits (tossing interceptions). Don't think for one second that the Bengals still have a chance of making the playoffs but they will gain a notch in the win column. Go ahead laugh if you want but when the clock strike 0:00, Palmer & Co. will have the last laugh! 

Prediction: BENGALS by 3

***Quick Picks***

Vikings over Lions

Saints over Raiders

Panthers over Buccaneers

Eagles over 49ers

Redskins over Rams

Texans over Dolphins

Cowboys over Cardinals

Packers over Seahawks

Giants over Browns

Bye week: Bills, Titans, Chiefs, Steelers

 II. Sports Ventz

NBA Cares...about the Great Outdoors? If you haven't heard the news, this Saturday (10 pm ET) on TNT, The Phoenix Suns will face off with the Denver Nuggets in the league's first outdoor game. The exhibition will be played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif. Marv Albert, Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller will call the And-One like NBA preseason game.

NFL Trade Deadline Approaches...This coming Tuesday (at 4pm et) the NFL will see their trade deadline pass. So far their rumor mill is nothing like that of the February deadline in the NBA but just for fun wouldn't it be cool if Chad Johnson was rumored to be sent to Dallas for Pacman? Or if Brett Favre was rumored to get traded to Green Bay for Brian Brohm and money, then asked to retire (oh wait that's old news). I'm just saying there are alot of struggling teams that could get younger and good teams that could get better yet every year the deadline come and goes as quiet as Marvin Harrison!

III. SAY WHAT!!! (A few quick thoughts)

*Should Pacman officially be crowned the dumbest athlete alive? Surpassing Mike Tyson, Travis Henry and Lawrence Phillips.

*Am I the only one excited that the NBA season is just 18 days away?

*Ray Allen said Michael Jordan told him during a golf outing this summer that the Celtics were lucky to win the championship. "MJ said we were lucky with the first one," Allen said. "[He said] the first championship is luck and if you want to build something, you guys have got to win it again. That's like his way of saying congratulations, because he's sitting on six of them. He said we won't get to six, but you guys were lucky." Hey MJ Anythiiiiiiiiiiing is Possiblllllllllllllle!

*Could Tony Dungy or Brett Favre win the presidential election? Recent reports said that nearly all of the NFL Cities got higher ratings than the vice presidential debate. In fact, even more people tuned in to the lopsided Bears-Lions game than the VP debate! Wow maybe the Presidential hopefuls should have looked within the NFL for a running mate and they'd be a shoe in!

 By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr.

Just a Thought...

EXPECT GREAT...As I sat in the midst of game 1 of the WNBA Finals their mantra "Expect Great" began to surface in my mind. You see when the league was announced in 1997, their inaugural season was tabbed "We Got Next." Twelve years later they've captured NOW. Fans across the country attend games to cheer on their favorite WNBA team and players. Fans are just as crazy at the Silver Stars-Shock game as they would be at a Spurs-Pistons game (okay that's a bad example). After speaking with the likes of Cheryl Miller (the greatest female player of all-time) and Tina Thompson (the second leading scorer in WNBA history) I've developed a better respect for the league and its players. These women balance being mothers and wives while passionately playing the game they love. Many of them will eventually leave to go to Europe to play and to make a better living than simply remaining in the states. So to my peers as we were once in college staking our claim to saying "We Got Next" in the job force and in life know that you've put in the work, you've been an intern and you've balanced being a pupil and an employee but as you continue to pursue the game that you are so passionate about---whether it be sports, accounting, law or parenthood---in your pursuit of happiness you should always EXPECT GREAT!

I. NFL Week 4 Predictions (Last week 9-3) As the first quarter of the NFL comes to a close I must say I'm feeling really good coming off a 9-3 prediction week. My typing fingers are feeling strong and there are no effects of carpal tunnel ...With that said "experts" beware because the leading Sports Blogger is ctrl+alt+deleting all competition and taking names. Here's another sure fire week of NFL picks.

1. Steelers (3-1) @ Jaguars (2-2) (1 pm, FOX)- The wild card rematch between the Steelers and Jags will involve much hype come Sunday. But please don't be mistaken this isn't last season. The Jags have managed to run the ball effectively (even if the big game was against the Colts) but the play of David Garrard has not been consistent. In fact, Garrard has already tossed more interceptions in the first four games as he did the entire '07 season. On the flip side the Steelers have been involved in a few hit-o-ramas losing the likes of Willie Parker and rookie Rashard Mendenhall. So, will the Steelers still be able to run the ball effectively? I Doubt it. So watch this game closely because whichever team runs the ball effectively will come out with the W. My money would be on Jones-Drew & Taylor. But that's just me. Prediction: JAGUARS by 4

 2. Titans (4-0) @ Ravens (2-1) (1 pm, CBS)- Don't adjust your PC monitors, yes the Titans are 4-0 and too many the best team in the L. I wouldn't go that far but the Titans are very tough. As for the Ravens their defense seems to be back in rare form but whenever you're relying on a rookie QB (Joe Flacco) a team's outcome is always up in the air. The Titans defense establishes the line of scrimmage early by stopping the run with hopes of forcing the opposition (especially the rookie QB) to attempt to beat them with the pass. But with four games under the Titans belt please note that Baltimore has a lot of film to breakdown with hopes of solving the aggressive and effective Titans defense. With Vince Young back in practice Kerry Collins may begin looking over his shoulder but with Ray Lewis & Co. on the attack Collins better be looking forward. This game will be interesting to see but I'm calling it now as my upset special of the week! Prediction: RAVENS by 3

3. Colts (1-2) @ Texans (0-3) (1 pm, CBS)- Attention all COLTS Fans! Indy officially has its swagger back. Coming off its much needed bye week the Colts are healthy and Peyton Manning is in rhythm. In fact, this game will be the equivalent of the season opener for Manning (since he missed the entire pre-season) so with that being said you can take your life savings to Vegas on this one. The Colts will win and they'll do it in an impressive manner. Look for the Colts to go on a 6 game winning streak as they'll once again become the darlings of the sports world. Prediction: COLTS by 13

4. Vikings (1-3) @ Saints (2-2) (8:30 pm, MNF ESPN)- Had you told me in August that these two teams will meet in the first weekend in October I may have responded that this will be an early preview of the NFC Championship game. Now this game seems important for both to battle for potential wild card spots in the NFC. But its only week 5 so let's not jump the gun...just yet. For the Vikings A.P. continues to lead the league in rushing but his dynamic running is not translating to wins. Unless the Vikings can mix up the pass with the run they will be in for a very long season. As for the Saints they've managed to move the ball both on the ground and through the air, but finishing games has been their Achilles. With the game in the Superdome under the bright lights of Monday Night Football it will have many of you asking "Is It Monday Yet?" Not quite but come Monday this game should be filled with Peterson and Bush highlights. However, the play of the QB will decide the outcome. Pediction: SAINTS by 4

***Game of the Week***

5. Redskins (3-1) @ Eagles (2-2) (1 pm, FOX)- Let me first begin by apologizing to the Redskin faithful (Dave the Rave) for excluding their beloved 'Skins in last week's blog, which was a simple operating error. After coming off their big win against their hated foe in the Dallas Cowboys, I must also apologize in advance for their potential letdown game against the Eagles. You see the 'Skins are coming off a high as the Eagles are coming off an extreme low after a loss at the hands of the Bears (on national TV I might add). It's clear that this is the toughest division in football so I wouldn't be surprised if McNabb comes out clicking on all cylinders (with or without Westbrook) because in the NFC East each team can beat one another on any given Sunday. For the Redskins their Sunday to be beaten will come sooner than later. Prediction: EAGLES by 8

***Quick Picks***

Patriots over 49ers

Bills over Cardinals

Cowboys over Bengals

Broncos over Buccaneers

Panthers over Chiefs

Bears over Lions

Packers over Falcons

Chargers over Dolphins

Bye week: Jets, Browns, Raiders, Rams

 II. Sports Ventz

 ?OH Henry! Ex-Broncos Running Back, Travis Henry is in federal custody after being arrested during a cocaine deal. He will be charged with the intent to possess and distribute. To those who have forgotten this is the same Travis Henry that swore to the Football gods that his positive Marijuana test were incorrect during last season...Riiiight and Pacman never made it rain!

?Ocho Cinco Habla! After the Bengals have quietly began the season 0-4 Chad Ocho Cinco has spoken...loudly! In anticipation of the Bengals-Cowboys game, Chad has stated that he will not only score a TD but he will kiss the "Star" on the field out of respect of Jerry Jones. I don't know if this was smack talk or an attempt for Chad to make a bid for Jerry to rescue him out of loserville. Watch this game closely because Chad will do all he can to burn Pacman & Co. to garner the attention of Mr. Jones.

?Ben Gordon Signs...After a rocky off-season of negotiations Bulls leading scorer, Ben Gordon, agreed to a one-year tender offer of $6.4 million. In the past week the team discussed a potential trade with the Heat that never worked out. And the Bulls continued to offer Gordon a six-year $58 M deal that was eventually pulled from the negotiation table. What this one-year deal means is, the Bulls leading scorer will be an Unrestricted Free Agent at season's end and the Bulls can not trade him during the season without his permission. And so...the saga continues!

?Cedric Benson Gets Hired! I don't find it interesting that Cedric Benson was signed by a NFL team, in fact had he continued to go unsigned I would be even more surprised. However, the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals is the team to sign him is the head scratcher. I know they're 0-4 and desperate but aren't they trying to shed the image of being the team full of criminals? Then again they did bring Chris Henry back who ironically began practicing after serving a 4-game suspension.

III. SAY WHAT!!! (A few quick thoughts)

*Should we continue to call Chad..."Ocho Cinco" if the league won't even let him wear it on his jersey? *My Chicago White Sox will make it to the World Series.

*I guess Ben Gordon is a fan of Sports Ventz because after attacking his intellect in last week's blog he quickly agreed to a one-year deal yet he still denied a 6-year $58M deal. I guess he hears me but ain't listening!.

*Down here in San Antonio it was reported that Avery Johnson was spotted at Spurs training camp. I know Poppovich isn't going anywhere...but will Johnson actually be downgraded to an assistant or was he merely stopping by to say hello? Keep your eyes out for this one.

*I know most of you have lives to tend to but if you're every at home in the morning and you've watched First Take on ESPN2 you've also noticed one of the worst segments in TV with "RayLo" which features to obscure ex-NFL players in Ray Buchanan and Lomas Brown. One word to describe it: BRUTAL

 *It was reported that Knicks center Eddy Curry came to training camp weighing over 300 pounds...Sounds like he's on a fast track to become the new Tractor Trailer. If you, don't know who that is then you get the point. If you do know who that is... you also get the point.

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr.

K.I.M...In baseball there are R.B.I.s (Runs Batted In) but in the R.C.L. (Reality Check League) there is a new stat for life termed (K.I.M.) Keep It Moving! You see in life things don't always go as planned and as a result its hard for us to live, learn and move on! Take the Chicago Cubs for instance. Known to meaning as the "North Siders" but affectionately referred to all as the "Loveable Losers."  Year after year the Cubs are followed by fans across the nation with hopes that they will finally see their Loveable Losers become the Wise Winners. The difference between the fans and the players is that the players could care less that it has been since 1908 when the last Cubs team brought home a World Series pennant. As for the fans they live with hope and die with disappointment. Now the Cubs currently hold the best record in baseball and are primed to break the century losing streak! So remember, in life things will happen but it is your responsibility to learn, move on and not look back. In fact, this is the very reason why a windshield is much larger than a rearview mirror...because things behind you can't hurt as much as what lies in front of you. So in this game called life lead your league in K.I.M.s and don't worry about old fender benders!

I. NFL Week 3 Predictions (Last week 9-7) After going 9-7 in week 3 predictions (and another 4-1 week with top 5 picks) I think I'm just about in midseason form! You know like the Cowboys offense. Okay, so maybe I don't have a secret weapon like Felix Jones but I do have an even better week of predictions....and the winner's are...

1. Vikings (1-2) @ Titans (3-0) (1 pm, FOX)- This is what I like to call a trap game. The Vikings were viewed as a Super Bowl contender but has played like a contender before their switch at the QB position. As for the Titans there season was viewed as a puzzling one prior to the season opener but yet they are undefeated, atop the tough AFC South and in midseason form. But now we're headed to week four and both teams will be looking close out the first quarter of the season with a bang. Now to the X's and O's. The Vikings is heavily predicated on their running game with hopes of setting up a few passes during the game. On the other side of the field may be the best defense in the L for the first three weeks of the season. The Titans are aggressive at every level and their pass rush is effective due to their solid core in the secondary. So when it comes down to football the team that can stop the run normally sets the tone and makes the opposition one dimensional. And as we all know the Vikings would be end for a long evening if they are forced to be a passing team. This will be a slugfest so look for a key turnover or defensive stop to determine the outcome. Prediction: TITANS by 3
2. Falcons (2-1) @ Panthers (2-1) (1 pm, FOX)-  Don't look twice! The Atlanta Falcons are featured in one of the top 5 games of the weekend! Thus far the dirty birds have been very effective on the ground and occasionally Matt Ryan has been effective through air connecting with Roddy White. As for the Panthers they've been in close games in each of the three weeks and none involved division foes. These two teams have bad blood mainly between Steve Smith and the departed DeAngelo Hall, but with both teams having identical records and an opportunity to get an early jump in the division look for this game to be highly competitive. Only problem is Steve Smith doesn't have anyone to go back and forth with. Sure this game will be entertaining for Falcons and Panthers fans but I'm pretty sure fans of other teams in the L have a pretty good idea of the outcome. Prediction: PANTHERS by 7
3. Browns (0-3) @ Bengals (0-3) (1 pm, CBS)-  This game should be dubbed the "Pity Bowl." After a 10 win season for the Browns and a disappointing one for the Bengals both Ohio residents had high hopes of becoming '08 contenders. Thus far both teams have become STINKERS! Chad had struggled totaling Ocho Ocho yards receiving in the first three games and the Browns are struggling to post OCHO points! So which team will come out with a victory? The team that can score the most points of course! Neither team is averaging more than 13 points per game although both are giving up 20+ points per game. With that being said look for both offenses to open things up and light up the scoreboard. In the end I see the Browns fairing better because their defensive front four is more effective against the run than that of the Bengals.  Prediction: BROWNS by 4
4. Eagles (2-1) @ Bears (1-2) (8:15 pm, NBC)-  I must admit this game is a tough one for me. Of course my Bears are coming off two heart wrenching losses after relinquishing a 17-point and 10-point lead both held in the final period. These lapses can be deflating for   a team but the only remedy is a primetime matchup with the Eagles. That's right one of Chicago's favorite son (Donovan F. McNabb) will be returning home to face his childhood team. But enough with the Outside The Lines setup this game will mean a lot for a Bears squad that has yet to play a team within their division. The Eagles will be entering the game with an injured McNabb (chest) and Brian Westbrook (ankle). Both players status is uncertain both with the game being played under the bright Soldier Field lights you've got to expect they'll both give it a go. On the other side of the chalk the Bears defense is healthy and angry about being responsible for a letdown against the Bucs. So using my "football sense" I understand that the Eagles will spread the Bears "Cover 2" scheme out and dink and dunk there way down the field which tends to play in the hands of an aggressive Bears front seven. The X factor in this game may be rookie sensation DeSean Jackson. With Westbrook battling injury don't look for the Eagles to do much running between the tackles and if Jackson is able to slip through the watchful eye of Tillman and Vasher the Bears may be headed towards an early hibernation. Pediction: BEARS by 2

***Game of the Week***

5. Ravens (2-0) @Steelers (2-1) (8:30 pm, ESPN)-   Who knew after two games the Ravens would be flying high on the shoulders of a rookie QB named Flacco? Well the Ravens of course, that's why they gave him the nod right? Wrong! It was by default and now they are in a good place headed into Monday night's clash with the Steelers. Pittsburgh is coming off a physical battle with their Penn State neighbors in the Eagles and Big Ben seems to still be feeling the effects with a shore shoulder .I expect for the team that can force the opposition into the most mistakes will come out on top. Take this into consideration. The Steelers are without Fast Willie Parker and will start their rookie Running Back Rashard Mendenhall, who has lost at least three fumbles during the preseason. As for the Ravens they have yet to face a team like the Steelers defense so one should expect the young Flacco into throwing a few picks are not recognizing various blitz packages. This game may look sloppy (depending on who you favor) but nevertheless just as entertaining as any other Monday Night Game.  Prediction: STEELERS by 6

***Quick Picks***

Broncos over Chiefs

Saints over 49ers

Cardinals over Jets

Packers over Buccaneers

Jaguars over Texans

Chargers over Raiders

Bills over Rams

Bye week: Lions, Colts, Dolphins, Patriots, Giants, Seahawks

II. Sports Ventz

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr.

PATIENCE... Hey slow down! What's the rush? I know this is the microwave age but we can't always get what we want, when we want it. In all honestly we've got to wait our turns and or work for what we want. Take Mr. Emilio "Millito" Navarro for instance. Millito is the first ever Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues. At age 102 he is also the oldest living Professional baseball player (he turns 103 Sept. 26th). As many of you may know the baseball "mecca" is Yankee stadium. Although Navarro starred for the New York Cubans in the late 20s, he's never had the opportunity to step on the diamond or even sit inside the historic monument. Tonight that will all come to an end. This past June Millito was drafted by the Yankees in a ceremonial draft and tonight he will visit Yankee stadium for the first time and be recognized for his achievements. So you see patience is not only a virtue but a must for as long as you are doing what's right in life you'll be recognized for it one way or another. So slow down and enjoy your ride because whether you're 102 or 22 good things always comes to those who wait! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

I. NFL Week 3 Predictions (Last week 8-7, Texans vs Ravens ppd) After going 8-7 in week 2 predictions I've decided to make a switch at the QB position! You know kind of like Minnesota benching Tavaris Jackson and the Titans telling Vince Young to watch and learn. Okay, so maybe I don't have a QB to blame but I will do my best to keep my emotions in check. Besides I went 4-1 with my top 5 picks and the Pats won by 9 (over the Jets) and my spread was 10. Hey give me some credit! Here's your week three selections...

1. Jaguars (0-2) @ Colts (1-1) (4:15pm, CBS)- The Jags and Colts have been two of the most disappointing teams of the first two weeks. Then again it's only been two weeks. The Jags QB David Garrard only had 3 interceptions during the '07 season and he's already matched that mark in the first two games of '08. As for the Colts they managed to squeak out a 3-point win against the reeling Vikings but in the win they lost the services of S Bob Sanders for the next 4-6 weeks. That is music to the Jags' ears. With a struggling QB their running game against an injured Colts "D" will be just what the doctor ordered. This game may not be pretty for AFC South viewers but it will be interesting. I expect Manning to outperform Garrard, so look for the Jags' to place the majority of their workload on the shoulders of Fred Taylor & Maurice Jones-Drew if the Colts are not up to the challenge they may be facing a potential 0-2 start in their new arena. Prediction: COLTS by 4
2. Saints (1-1) @ Broncos (2-0) (4:05 pm, CBS)- The Saints should be 2-0. Then again the Broncos should be 1-1, nevertheless the two will face-off in the Mile High city. Both offenses are explosive and both defenses have played well in spurts. I find it hard to believe that the Football gods will allow the Broncos to move to a 3-0 record after the refs miscall against the Chargers. Then again that's why they play the game. It's obvious that the Broncos have managed to move the ball at will but they have yet to face an offense that can match their explosiveness. This game may turnout to be a shootout resembling the Eagles-Cowboys matchup. Only difference is you won't have to wait until Monday night for the fireworks. Prediction: BRONCOS by 2
3. Steelers (2-0) @ Eagles (1-1) (4:15 pm, CBS)- The Keystone State battle will feature the hard nose Steel curtain defense against the high octane Eagles offense. As long as DeSean Jackson realizes he must hold on to the ball thru the end zone, McNabb will continue to but up big numbers. Then again will Polamalu roaming the secondary deep balls are limited. Big Ben has a sore shoulder and as a result they hope to keep him under 20 pass attempts. The issue is the Eagles can score so quick that they will force the Steelers to depend on their aerial attack. I expect the Eagles to be too much for even the Steelers D to handle in the end because Big Ben & Co. will not be able to put up enough points. Prediction: EAGLES by 6
4. Jets (1-1) @ Chargers (0-2) (8:30 pm, ABC)- Let's see we have a healthy Jets squad led by a 38-year-old quarterback going up against an injury prone bruised ego Chargers squad led by the young & cocky quarterback. The Jets have to open up their passing game and the Chargers have to garner a victory. This Monday night will feature a very angry and motivated Chargers team looking to avenge their last second losses (to both the Panthers & Chargers). On the other hand the Jets are still looking for answers to how they can comfortably transition Favre into this offense. Do they run more with Thomas Jones or simply let Favre take chances (that often result in interceptions). One thing's for sure Mr. Monday Night himself maybe looking for another spectacular performance but when he looks down after being sacked by Shaun Phillips, he'll realize that the Jets green is far from that of the Packers. Prediction: CHARGERS by 7

***Game of the Week***

5. Cowboys (2-0) @ Packers (2-0) (8:30 pm, NBC)- Finally two teams that have lived up to their last year's record. The two best NFC teams from '07 will face off in a week three clash of the Conference titans. Last year the game was played down in Big "D" and with gears shifting to Lambeau Field under the bright Sunday Night Lights, we're sure to be in for a great one. Or are we? Unlike the Packers the Cowboys went on the road to defeat a Browns team that was 10-6 last year followed by outscoring the high powered Eagles offense on Monday Night. Some may feel that the 'Boys are do for a letdown but in case you haven't seen an episode of Hard Knocks this team yearns for the spotlight. The Packers kicked off their season by defeating the one dimensional Vikings followed by the Lions (who as we all know lack courage) so with their first tough test being aired on National TV, I won't be surprised if the Favre-Rodgers comparison begin to materialize. Then again Favre has never defeated the Cowboys. Something's never change. Prediction: COWBOYS by 10

    

   ***Quick Picks***

   Falcons over Chiefs

   Bills over Raiders

   Bears over Buccaneers

   Titans over Texans

   Panthers over Vikings

   Patriots over Dolphins

   Browns over Ravens

   Giants over Bengals

   Cardinals over Redskins

   Lions over 49ers

   Seahawks over Rams II. Sports Ventz

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr.

Just a Thought... NUMBERS... To many numbers are more than digits. They're milestones, forms of identity and constant reminders of historical events. Teenagers yearn for their sweet 16, college kids highly anticipate their 21st year and females aspire to be the 1. For athletes their jersey numbers tend to become who they are. Michael Jordan looked silly in "45", Moss seems bigger wearing "81" (as opposed to his previous worn 84) and Ocho Cinco would not at all be possible without "85". But this day 7 years ago the numbers 9-11 would mean more than the 9th month and 11th day of 2001. In fact, 9/11 once stood for an emergency number and now symbolizes the biggest tragedy in American (modern day) history. The term 9/11 is so powerful there's no need to go into how dreadful of a day that was for Americans, nor have we completely moved on and healed from that unforgettable day. Believe it or not, the world of sports is no different. Just months ago the New England Patriots watched their dreams of an undefeated/ super bowl winning season come to an end at the hands of the New York Giants. As a result, the numbers 18-1 will make Patriot fans cringe whenever the phrase 18-1 is uttered. Surely their loss can not be equated to the attacks seen, heard and felt across the nation but the significance of their digits are equally synonymous. 7 years after 9/11 we've learned as a society to not take life for granted because we never know what tomorrow holds. Unfortunately the Patriots are finally coming to the same conclusion. You see on 9/4 number 12 for the Patriots suffered a torn ACL/MCL ending his season and their hopes of obtaining a title. While many of you are aware of this terrible injury, there's no need to mention his name because for the rest of the uninformed readers the number 12 says it all.

I. NFL Week 2 Predictions (Last week 4-1, Texans) After going 4-1 in week 1 predictions I've decided to expand my coverage to the entire 16 game schedule to truly test my wits and expertise. But please be informed these are MY opinions so if you decide to enroll in an office pool based on my expertise be sure to deliver MY 10% of your weekly winnings!

1. Eagles (1-0) @ Cowboys (1-0) (MNF 8:30pm, espn)- The Monday Night showdown between NFC East rivals should be one worth staying up for. The Cowboys are on a mission to win a title and the Eagles are one of the few teams that stands in their way. Last Sunday both teams put up huge offensive numbers but one team played against a contender (Eagles defeating Rams) and the other picked apart a contender (Cowboys over Browns). All things being equal last week performances mean absolutely nothing! Both teams are out to prove that this division is there's to lose and I expect the Eagles to come out in attack mode. The problem is they honestly lack the fire power on offense with Kevin Curtis and even Reggie Brown. As for the 'Boys they have the ability to mix things up on the ground with Barber & Jones and attack through the air with Owens & Witten. The true x-factor Monday night may be the play of Adam Jones. If Pacman manages to help contain on the outside against screens and in the flats to L.J. Smith, the Cowboys will eventually run away with the game. I expect this matchup to be hard fought but the Cowboys fire power will eventually be too much for the Birds to handle. Prediction: Cowboys by 9
2. Steelers (1-0) @ Browns (0-1) (8:15 pm, nbc)- Last week the Steelers looked to be in "midseason" form. Willie Parker managed to reached the end zone on three occasions and Big Ben looked as comfortable as a body pillow in the pocket hitting receivers like target practice. Although their flawless performance was against the Texans, they seem to be healthy and are showcasing the swagger of their 2005 Super Bowl team. On the other hand the Browns came out flat as if they're stuck in the preseason. Granted Anderson and Braylon Edwards both missed significant time in the preseason due to injury but if they plan on competing at a high level they're going to have to eliminate the mistakes (and excuses) and play like they no how, fast & hard! The Steelers will be motivated to defeat  a division rival and the Browns need this win to regain respectability in the L. Problem is respect isn't given, its earned. Prediction: Steelers by 6
3. Chargers (0-1) @ Broncos (1-0) (4:15 pm, cbs)- Here again are two division foes coming off a quality win and a gut wrenching loss. The Chargers seemed to be poised to reach the AFC title game for the second year in a row but they failed to defeat the Steve Smith-less Panthers at home in the final seconds on Sunday. The Chargers will be without the services of Merriman who has opted for surgery but that will actually improve their play. Merriman was actually hindering the Chargers from applying the pressure they prefer on the QB. He was a total shell of himself and with a healthy pass rusher inserted into this defense (even if its not "Lights Out") a power surge should be placed back into the bolts' defense. On the flip side Jay Cutler & Co. handed out an Eddie Royal beat down to the Raiders on Monday night. This week wideout Brandon Marshall will return making this offense that more potent. This game will pretty much determine who is in the driver seat for the AFC West. Although Denver put up huge numbers in Oakland we must all remember that it was just Oakland. The Chargers Secondary has talent on the outside and a healthy pass rush will disrupt what the Broncos like to do. This may be a more interesting game then the Cowboys and Eagles so pay attention to the bottom of your screen. Prediction: Chargers by 3
4. Colts (0-1) @ Vikings (0-1) (1 pm, cbs)- This game too has a lot of intrigue. Neither the Colts or the Vikings expected to come into this game 0-1. In fact, the Colts saw their opener with the Bears as a celebration of their new arena and it amounted to Super Bowl revenge for the Monsters of the Midway. As for the Vikings they hoped to go into Lambeau early and steal a road victory from the defending NFC North Champs. Obviously neither succeeded and their seasons may potentially be at risk here in week 2. The Vikings showed that once again they can run at you All Day with Adrian Peterson. The problem is if they fall behind they can't move the ball through the air. Tavaris Jackson still seems a bit uncomfortable and his receivers can't seem to get off jams at the line and pull in the tough catches. For the Colts their problem is a bit more correctable. Timing. That's it, Peyton & Co. truly needed the practice time to get their timing routes back on track. Manning often missed Wayne & Harrison when they were open and those plays just so happened to be the big ones. With a week of practice and an embarrassing outing under their belt look for the well Lucas Oiled machine to return to its consistent play and force the Vikings into what they do worse, passing the ball. The Colts defense flies to the ball so A.P. will have trouble bouncing to the outside and without a good passing balance it will be another long day for the guys in Purple. Prediction: Colts by 10

***Upset Alert***

5. Patriots (1-0) @ Jets (1-0) (4:15 pm, cbs)- This weeks upset alert features and AFC East battle. The old New York-Boston showdown. Teacher (Belichick) versus Pupil (Mangini). Normally the Patriots quarterback play is above and beyond their Jets foe but do to a series of unfortunate events the tides have turned. The Jets roll out the ageless wonder in Brett Favre and the Pats will rely on the play of the career back up in Matt Cassell. But that is where the huge favor for the Jets ends. To many this division is now the Jets to lose but my thought is with the weapons the Patriots have and the schematic defense Belichick runs even Joey Harrington would succeed in this offense! Look for the Patriots to stop Thomas Jones and the run game forcing Favre to make throws that he loves to make-the risky ones. Last week Favre only attempted 22 passes, far from his normal 40 per game. This was done to limit his mistakes, while the maneuver worked it almost backfired when the Jets opted to run the ball in the end as opposed to throwing to put the game away in the final minutes. The Patriots will rally around Cassell looking to prove that they can still win without Brady. And they will. Consider this, in 1998 the Broncos went 14-2 in route to a Super Bowl victory, six of the 14 wins were without a healthy John Elway and the two losses were not at the hands of backup Bubby Brister rather at the hands of Elway himself. Pats nation meet the new Bubby, his name is Matt " Prediction: Patriots by 10***Quick Picks***

Buccaneers over Falcons

Jaguars over Bills

Bengals over Titans

Packers over Lions

Chiefs over Raiders

Giants over Rams

Cardinals over Dolphins

Saints over Redskins

Seahawks over 49ers

Bears over Panthers

Texans over Ravens  

II. Sports Ventz